Saoirse

 

[Saoirse]

 

Our new cat has arrived at home.

She’s hiding behind the couch.

Saoirse.

 

Circe is not right.

She is not Circe

Or Saucy or Sauces. Sushi, no.

 

Pronounced Shirr Sea,

like rain on the ocean

making easy silken designs.

 

“Shirr Sea,” we practise

on the friendly side of the couch,

“Shirr Sea, here’s a bowl of water.”

 

Irish as it happens

and it happens with some regularity

wedged behind the couch, purring.

 

Addressed Sir She,

as you would a lady possessed

of the demeanour of lord of the manor.

 

She is white with ginger markings

off the streets her papers say

and only one year old

 

landed on her feet

but for now sweet mews from the couch.

Her thoroughly Irish name means Freedom

 

“Like Saoirse Ronan -

you know, ‘Little Women’!”

“Um vaguely yes of course.”

 

One day fearless she’ll be lord of the manor

walk soft as rain on sea

but on Day Two she’s behind the couch.