Midwife Cat

"Midwife Cat

Beyond the fence she hesitates,
And drops a paw, and tries the dust.
It is a clearing—but she waits
No longer minute than she must.

Though a dozen foes may dart
From out the grass, she crouches by;
Then runs to where the silos start
To heave their shadows far and high.

Here she folds herself and sleeps;
But in a moment she has put
The dream aside; and now she creeps
Across the open, foot by foot,

Till at the threshold of a shed
She smells the water and the corn
Where a sow is on her bed
And little pigs are being born.

Silently she leaps, and walks
All night upon a narrow rafter;
Whence at intervals she talks
Wise to them she watches after".


The poem in Today's Daily Jigsaw puzzle is titled "Midwife Cat" and was written by American poet, novelist, and critic Mark Van Doren (1894-1972) ♥