Cats in Israel (2001)

I would not care 

To be a feral cat of Joppa’s ancient harbour

Thin, starving, one-eyed

They dart away 

Expecting the stone, curse,  boot

Did Peter kick the unclean cats of Joppa?

Did he recoil from Joppa cats swarming, diseased

In the visioned canvas of forbidden foods 

On a rooftop 

Overlooking the sea?

The long-haired tabbies on the porch of St John the Baptist, Bethany

Lie un-timid in the sun

Plump, they don’t budge 

For the tourist, worshipper, monk

Their fur sleek, their eyes glint

They have chosen well – a Franciscan shrine -

Where cats are worthy creatures

Among the massive, knotted roots of

Gethsemane’s olive trees

Where Jesus prayed 

And friends slept 

Kittens frisk 

Gambol among the rosebushes

Tumble among flowers

Hide (and seek)

Oblivious of 

Past agony