Feline Ritual

Up to the altar steps the priest.
The rite begins with a loud "Meow!"
The cat feeds before the beast,
the god above he worships now.

The rite begins with a loud "Meow!"
By and by the sounds get worse.
The god above he worships now
Brings down a terrifying curse.

By and by the sounds get worse.
A feather floating from above
Brings down a terrifying curse
Upon five most unfortunate doves.

A feather floating from above
Up to the altar steps the priest
The cat feeds before the beast,
Upon five most unfortunate doves.

16 lines.

Note: This is a Malay form called a pantoum. You can find an explanation of that form here:

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/pantoum-long-distance-runners-...




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