This evening, as the day was drawing to an end, I went out into the garden to call the cats indoors, as per usual.

Luckily, I didn't need to call, as there they were - all three of them, sat in a row, all at the edge of the long grass by the stream, staring intently in the direction of the stream. Each of them was absolutely still and silent. The grass is high at this point, a good three feet high - it's where I've seen water voles, so I leave this bit of the bank just about untouched, so any water voles there have some privacy.

Ah ha! I could have some fun! I could quietly sneak up to the cats and *pounce* Boy, was I looking forward to surprising them!

So I slowly, slowly crept towards them. I was like a shadow quietly moving (they've taught me well). Mind you, it's a good job none of the neighbours were watching, as I was standing on one foot - slowly moving the other forward. I was poetry in motion - slow motion.

I just got to behind the cats..

I was about to pounce..

Out from the long grass a heron flew up - and off. I jumped out of my skin it was so unexpected and fell over on my amply padded rear end.

Damn cats fell about peeing themselves laughing at me.

Just wait… I'll get my revenge!

Copyright © Helen Simmons
June 19, 2001