In our small town, we have a centennial farm and market. We refer to it as Bos’s. There are 80 acres of crops and two green houses filled with plantings of vegetables and flowers from the farm’s abundance.
A trip to Bos’s must include a tour of the current offerings. In the center of the largest green house, you will find a golden feline named, Magnifacat. She reclines on the checkout counter, waiting to be stroked and admired. A warm shaft of sunlight encircles her body in a halo effect. She has held court six day a week, with Sundays off. After 20 years on patrol, She rests on her laurels. In those days, she was the mistress of her domain. For twenty years, she held court with customers and staff.
This spring, there was no graceful feline draped across the counter. Mr. Bos explained that Magnificat died in the winter. The green houses were not the same without her.
This fall, while visiting the market there was a new worker. A small juvenile milk chocolate cat examining my leg before continuing her patrol.
“Who is this”, I asked?
“This is Copycat.” was the answer.
The new cat was an offspring of Magnificat. Being younger and full of curiosity, Copycat roamed all the buildings, to meet and greet guest. In the evenings, She caught her share of mice that had taken up residence after Magnificat’s demise.
“But why the name Copycat?”
“We tried to find a name for her but nothing fit.”
One of the staff noticed the new cat patrolled the buildings like her mother before her. Except for the color, she was a clone down to her ability to catch mice. Hence, a copy of her mother’s behavior.
***. Poem
The Coronation
Magnifacat reigned for 20 years.
A much loved monarch, mice did fear.
A new generation will take her place.
Nimble feline, light on her paws.
Catching mice in her claws.
Like her Mother, she rose to take her place.
Long reign the Copycat.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 10/20/2025
traveling up and down the blind highway 