“Excuse me, Mr Cat, what exactly are your intentions? You seem to be loitering with intent by our bird table. Am I wrong to suspect you of planning a bloodthirsty misdeed?”
This isn’t our cat. We don’t have one. We do, however, feed the birds in our garden. The cat’s owners, living nearby, provide very well for the black-and-white panther. He (the cat, not the owner) is sometimes friendly, but often looks down on us as tenant-farmers who should supply livestock on demand. You know, mice are acceptable, and I once witnessed a thrilling safari onsite featuring a young magpie (who barely escaped).
The victor was a matter of a pinion- left in said cat’s possession.
A handsome cat, in a chunky thickset sort of way, but we do have very different views on the appropriate behaviour in a neighbour’s garden- not that the cat cares. We are lurkers in HIS domain, and that I can accept…
But waiting at the table in the hope we will blind the birdies by bribing them with sunflower seeds is a bit much. Paws off, chum!
Perhaps I could teach “our” birds to sing a psalm of protection? There are several candidates in the Bible, composed by people living under the threat of predators. This one might suit the birds- and us when we feel threatened…
Psalm 56:1-7
"Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness
do not let them escape;
in your anger, God,
bring the nations down."
Look, See, Pray 