Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Our Coevolution with the Cat. Those in the Fertile Crescent perfected agriculture-- Organizing fields with seed saved from the previous year. Random wandering to discover those tiny seed-gems Became obsolete as a manner of food gathering. Success of harvesting increased to a point Where huge numbers of grain were amassed. Methods of storage for the pending year challenged populations-- Those tiny rodents soon discovered that 'grain mine', Slowly gnawing away at the food supply of the human suppliers. Also arriving on the scene were wild cats, Relishing the concentrated supply of those tiny mammals. The humans realized the value of cat-presence, Naturally combating and aiding in the control of those little munchers. Soon, especially in Egypt, cats rose to the level of the sacred. They were mummified and slipped into the sarcophagi of their owners. Now, cats roam in many places uncontrolled, Just like Rock Doves, which switched from cliffs to tall buildings. These days, human activities somewhat affect Most all other creatures' ways of life, Except for bacteria, and more, viruses, which still hold power over us. We cannot yet mold them genetically into the form we wish, Except for ever-continued research, which medically wards them off! Frank Maurer 28 November 2025 0915 Hours.