Today we’re delighted to share a sneak peek of CATechisms, an upcoming collection of poetry by John Delaney, celebrating the tender, bittersweet relationship with his Himalayan cat facing renal failure.
The Stations
To and from patrols to the litter box
and feeding bowl, he yowls his reports:
‘all clear’. Then, like clockwork, mans the stations:
my chest in bed, my lap on couch or chair,
in his bed beside the laptop in the office.
Those are regular, self-imposed assignments.
But in my absence, there’s another post
he’s partial to partake: a sunny window roast.
Off duty, he makes exploratory
expeditions around the house, forays
into nooks and crannies, sniffing out
the enemy or finding friendly forces.
He target practices a mouse that jerks
erratically, strung along on a string,
and constantly cleans his dress uniform, fur.
Now he sits before me at attention:
‘At your service, Sir.’
— poem from CATechisms, used with permission
To and from patrols to the litter box
and feeding bowl, he yowls his reports:
‘all clear’. Then, like clockwork, mans the stations:
my chest in bed, my lap on couch or chair,
in his bed beside the laptop in the office.
Those are regular, self-imposed assignments.
But in my absence, there’s another post
he’s partial to partake: a sunny window roast.
Off duty, he makes exploratory
expeditions around the house, forays
into nooks and crannies, sniffing out
the enemy or finding friendly forces.
He target practices a mouse that jerks
erratically, strung along on a string,
and constantly cleans his dress uniform, fur.
Now he sits before me at attention:
‘At your service, Sir.’
— poem from CATechisms, used with permission
Featuring stunning imagery and emotional resonance, this poem and its accompanying photograph first appeared in a literary journal and now grace John’s full-length debut.
About the Book
CATechisms is a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute to aging feline life — a portrait of love, loss, humor, and daily devotion. Published by Finishing Line Press, each pre-order now helps determine John’s royalty tier, so early support truly makes a difference.
📘 Pre-order here: finishinglinepress.com/product/catechisms-by-john-delaney/
We can’t wait to read the rest of this collection — we know fellow cat lovers will treasure it. Thank you, John, for sharing this intimate piece with us.
About the Book
CATechisms is a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute to aging feline life — a portrait of love, loss, humor, and daily devotion. Published by Finishing Line Press, each pre-order now helps determine John’s royalty tier, so early support truly makes a difference.
📘 Pre-order here: finishinglinepress.com/product/catechisms-by-john-delaney/
We can’t wait to read the rest of this collection — we know fellow cat lovers will treasure it. Thank you, John, for sharing this intimate piece with us.
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