Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

MY CAT, MRS. LICK-A-CHIN, by JOHN CIARDI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"My Cat, Mrs. Lick-a-Chin" by John Ciardi is a delightful and insightful exploration of the whimsical yet perplexing behaviors of domestic cats, encapsulated through the amusing antics of Mrs. Lick-a-Chin. This poem offers more than a simple narrative about a cat's indecisiveness; it serves as a reflective piece on the nature of desire, independence, and the enigmatic essence of cats, which, by extension, invites contemplation on the broader mysteries of life and relationships.

Ciardi begins the poem by setting up a common observation about cats: their notorious fickleness regarding whether they wish to be indoors or outdoors. This behavior is epitomized in the character of Mrs. Lick-a-Chin, whose name itself evokes a playful and endearing image. The cat's inability to decide where she wants to be—alternating between wanting to be inside and outside—mirrors the indecisiveness that often characterizes human desires and decisions. The repetition of her actions, seeking to go out once let in and vice versa, is not just a commentary on feline behavior but a subtle nod to the often contradictory and capricious nature of wants and satisfactions in life.

The humor in the poem emerges from the interaction between the speaker and Mrs. Lick-a-Chin, particularly in the cat's vocal expressions of discontent, described as a "sing." This anthropomorphism grants Mrs. Lick-a-Chin a voice, emphasizing her distinct personality and the communicative gap between species. The use of "sing" to describe the cat's demands highlights the melodramatic and performative aspects of her behavior, suggesting a deeper commentary on how beings express their needs and desires, often without clarity or consistency.

Ciardi skillfully uses the simplicity of the narrative to delve into the enigmatic nature of cats, which serves as a metaphor for the unknowable aspects of life and the minds of others. The lines "The thing about cats, as you may find, / Is that no one knows what they have in mind" reflect on the inherent mystery surrounding cats' actions and, by extension, the unpredictable and often inexplicable facets of human behavior and relationships. This unknowability is further emphasized with the admission that "No one knows it less than my cat," suggesting that Mrs. Lick-a-Chin herself might be oblivious to her own whims, thereby touching on the theme of self-awareness or the lack thereof.

"My Cat, Mrs. Lick-a-Chin" is, on the surface, a charming portrayal of a pet's quirky behavior, but at its core, it is a contemplation on the nature of desire, autonomy, and the mysteries that pervade our understanding of others, be they human or animal. Ciardi's poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities hidden within simple, everyday occurrences, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the unknowable elements that define the world around us. Through the lens of Mrs. Lick-a-Chin's indecisiveness, Ciardi captures the essence of the feline spirit and the broader, universal experiences of uncertainty, desire, and the search for contentment.

POEM TEXT:

Some of the cats I know about

Spend a little time in and a lot of time out.

Or a lot of time out and a little time in.

But my cat, Mrs. Lick-a-chin,

Never knows where she wants to be.

If I let her in, she looks at me

And begins to sing that she wants to go out.

So I open the door, and she looks about

And begins to sing, “Please let me in!”

Poor silly Mrs. Lick-a-chin!

The thing about cats, as you may find,