Advice to the Artless

This is shameful stuff, says my cat,
Groaning over my poetry.
Even I could do better, given the opportunity.
Cast not your words upon the paper
Before choosing them carefully,
As carefully as one nips fleas,
Or cleans between the toes.
Pad silently around metaphor,
And spring only when there is something to chase.
Take the advice of your cat,
For he knows much more in silence than
Many do in lecturing;
Thus, feed him regularly,
For he is the true artist,
Who still feels the jungle.

by Joan Strong