Potato chips Quote by Nancy Willard
““Keep your whiskers crisp and clean. Do not let the mice grow lean. Do not let yourself grow fat Like a common kitchen cat. Have you set the kittens free? Do they sometimes ask for me? Is our catnip growing tall? Did you patch the garden wall? Clouds are gentle walls that hide Gardens on the other side. Tell the tabby cats I take All my meals with William Blake, Lunch at noon tea at four, Served in splendor on the shore At the tinkling of a bell. Tell them I am sleeping well. Tell them I have come so far, Brought by Blake's celestial cat, Buffeted by wind and rain, I may not get home again. Take this message to my friends. Say the King of Catnip sends To the cat who winds his clocks A thousand sunsets in a box, To the cat who brings the ice The shadows of a dozen mice (serve them with assorted dips and eat them like potato chips), And to the cat who guards his door A net for catching stars, and more (if patience he abide): Catnip from the other side.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Catnip" by Nancy Willard, 1990s
The whimsical poem blends feline imagery with surreal instructions, reflecting on care, freedom, and the poetic imagination, urging the reader to convey a cryptic message to cats.
In simple terms: A playful, surreal poem about cats and hidden meanings.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imagination and share creative messages.
Themes
creativity
imagination
animals
surrealism
communication
Mood
playful
enigmatic
inspirational
Type
literary
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- writing whimsical verses
- sharing artistic messages
- cat care
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
poetic metaphor
symbolism
anthropomorphism
creative expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions does the poem evoke?
- How can surreal imagery enhance personal expression?
A Different Perspective
The abstract style may be confusing without context, limiting its impact.
