Melissa at dVerse poets has asked us to write a poem for the prompt “If You Don’t Like Cats, I’m Sorry”, based on one of Louis Wain’s drawings. I have written a Dectina Refrain for “Cat’s Nightmare”. Oh, but there’s a catch: we can’t use the word “cat” in our poems!
A Dectina Refrain is written as follows: 1st line is 1 syllable, 2nd line is 2 syllables, 3rd line is 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines; the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines as one stand-alone sentence.

WHO
do you
think you are,
trying to hide
from the likes of us?
We have our eyes on you
watching every move you make;
foolish kitties, there’s no escape.
A tasty whisker pie we will bake!
Who do you think you are, trying to hide?
NAR©2024
This is Blood, Sweat and Tears with “The Owl And The Pussycat” (Instrumental Interlude – Outtake 1)
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.
Hoot do they think they are?!!
LikeLike
Meow 😻
LikeLike
This form of poetry worked perfectly for the prompt. Personally, I would love to see Owls wiping out feral cats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
We rescued a feral cat who stole our hearts hoping we could tame her; for the most part, we did but she still has a feral streak that come out every once in a while. She’s definitely not the snuggly kitty I was hoping for! 😾
LikeLike
What an enjoyable poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carol! The Dectina Refrain is fun to do.
LikeLike
Cool form and it works just right for this poem! WHO indeed! Poor kitties, like blackbirds, baked in a pie :(
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully they used one of their 9 lives! 🐈⬛
Thanks so much, Lisa; I really like working with the Dectina.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i love this poetic form and you used it so well here.. my kitty is having owlish nightmares as well..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vidya. This is one of my favorite forms to use; it’s very adaptable and fun to do.
Owls, I think, can be rather off putting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no! The poor pussycat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! Thank goodness for their 9 lives. They’ll need them with those meanies hanging around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No kidding!
LikeLike
No one can truly hide.
All are being watched.
By God!
Well expressed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And He’s keeping a list, too!
Thanks, Angela.
LikeLike
Poor kitties! They know the definition of fear when the owls come strutting across the bedsheets with their theme song moving them along.
Thoroughly enjoyable poem & song combo!❤🦉🐱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz! It may be time to use one of their 9 lives. Those owls look like they mean business!
I love it when I find a song that works well with my stories; thanks for noticing and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated! ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
A perfect piece for this picture! Well played.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Susan.
This was a fun prompt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome and I agree.
LikeLike
I love your poem. This one intrigued me as well. Turning the tables on the cats is a nice twist of a nightmare!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How very kind; thank you!
Let’s not underestimate those kitties. They probably have a trick or two planned for those owls!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha… I am sure they do!
LikeLike
Never heard of that form before – I’ve learnt something today. Cheers. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers to you!
Here’s to learning something new as the same is constantly true for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Owls are scary fowls… so kitties beware.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are indeed! 🦉
LikeLike
Well Done!!!
much♡love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gillena! ♡
LikeLike
Whisker pie!😱 Oh, no!! Clever verse. Thank you for writing to the prompt.☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fun, Melissa. Thanks!
And I’m a cat person! 🐈⬛
LikeLiked by 1 person
live the verse…that photo is rather scary isn’t it 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is! Fun but a little strange for me to write …. I’m a cat person! 🐈
LikeLiked by 1 person