Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

It's Thursday, and that means we're here to rhyme. After all, it's the day of Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge.

Just as happens every September and October, I always have a desire to make my poems fit the season. I crave writing and drawing things that are all shades autumn and Halloween this time of year. So, I tried to think of a way to make that work for the above photo prompt. My method was roundabout and I certainly took some artistic liberties, but if you're curious what the result was, here it is:

Cornelius

There once was a young witch named Eileen,
Who eagerly awaited the arrival of Halloween.
She believed it was the most wonderful time of the year.
On Halloween, she donned her pointy hat and other witchy gear.

The morning of October 31st was busy for Eileen.
After all, she was a witch with grand plans for Halloween.
She was in need of at least a dozen supplies,
And so she headed to the shops to browse and buy.

Eileen went from shop to shop on that wonderful morn,
Filling her basket with items like cobwebs, yarrow root, and rose thorns.
As she finished her errands and prepared to head back home,
She was greeted by a boy she knew by the name of Jerome.

"Hello, Eileen," the boy said with a crooked smile.
He added, "I haven't seen you around in a while."
Eileen would have smiled back, but she wasn't good at lies or acts of guile.
"I've been busy preparing for this very Halloween day," Eileen said.
She added, "I best get home and get ready for what lies ahead."

Jerome asked, "Are you referring to the party in town tonight?"
"No," Eileen said. "I have other plans in the full moon's light."
"Forget your other plans," Jerome said, a bit like a jerk.
"Come to the party in town with me," he said with a nauseating smirk.

"Thanks for the offer, but I simply cannot," was Eileen's reply.
That was, in fact, not a lie.
Jerome, still smirking and persistent, said, "I'm known for being really cool,
So being seen with me will in turn make you look really, really good."

Eileen sighed and shook her head.
There was rarely a time that she liked what this boy Jerome said.
With much to do, and now growing truly quite irritated and annoyed,
She needed to get away from this obnoxious, pesky boy.

She told him, "Again, thank you, but I already have a loyal fellow in my life."
"Really?" Jerome said. "What's his name? Something boring like Bill or Mike?"
"For your information, his name is Cornelius," Eileen sternly said.
"Now, good day to you," she added, turning on her heels so that to her home she could head.

As she approached her happily haunted house, Eileen finally felt her excitement return.
It was Halloween, after all, a day for which she always did yearn.
Swinging her basket with its goods in her hand,
Her growing excitement for this Halloween she could hardly stand.

 Eileen's already wide smile grew even wider as she made her way up the front walk.
From an open window on the porch an orange tabby cat jumped and toward her did trot.
It walked right up to her and rubbed its head against her legs.
"Hello there, Cornelius," Eileen said as she bent to rub the cat's head.

She picked the cat up in her arms and gave him a squeeze.
She said to him, "Are you ready to carve our pumpkins and concoct our new recipes?
I got the ingredients we need, but there's no saying it won't be messy.
No matter, though, Cornelius. We have plenty of pumpkins, and the cauldron is ready.
Isn't this going to be so much fun?
When it comes to the days of the year, Halloween is second to none."

Cornelius the orange cat jumped from Eileen's arms,
And then he ran to the giant cauldron on the lawn, not far.
"It looks like you're as excited as I am," Eileen said.
She inventoried the contents of her basket as to the cauldron she did head.
With her dear Cornelius by her side and the moon glowing and full,
Eileen had no doubt this Halloween night was sure to be wonderful.

***

Thursday isn't just a day for rhyming. It's also a day for giving thanks. This is made especially possible thanks to Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, Thimble is here to express her gratitude. And what, exactly, is this tabby girl thankful for today?

Lights! Just like what happened during Thimble's photo shoot for her recent Sunday selfie, this girl got distracted by lights on the ceiling. She just loves those lights so much.

Happy Thursday to all!

***

Today we also, of course, are here to share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Ellen of 15andmeowing is the mastermind behind the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. If you are looking for _________, try _________.

2. _________ fills me with hope.

3. It's only a matter of time before _________.

4. _________ is my favorite conversation topic.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Tip of the Day

Today's disaster preparedness tip is actually instead related to what might occur after a disaster. Just as with humans, cats and dog might show signs of anxiety or other behavioral changes after going through something frightening or tragic. Especially if they are taken away from their home, separated from family even briefly, or in any other way experience a change in their familiar routine, a cat or dog might start displaying behavioral changes. After a disaster or emergency, even after you find yourself safe, always keep a close eye on your furbaby. They may begin showing signs of separation anxiety, or even uncharacteristic aggression. If you do notice any such signs, do not hesitate to discuss the issue with a veterinarian. Products such as calming synthetic pheromones might help an anxious furbaby, but sometimes more potent medications or treatments might be required to help them cope with their post-traumatic stress. Therefore, always keep a close eye on your kitty or pup, especially after they experience any emergency situation, and do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if they begin displaying any concerning behavioral or health issues.