Pussy Willow

It is Spring and the pussy willows are in bloom. As Cat roamed the forest, he came upon the willow, the first plants to bloom. The catkins were blowing everywhere in the brisk breeze, Cat was completely fascinated by the white, green, yellow, pink and brown splendor of the catkins.

"What are these colorful furry things", Cat asked out loud to no one in particular, jumping here and there, romping and nipping at the elusive wisps.

"Why Cat, those are firs from the Pussy Willow plant, they are called catkins, just like you. Look around you, they are everywhere".

"Who said that". Asked Cat, looking here, there and everywhere.

"It's me, Owl. Look up in the tree above your head. Why Cat, you are so tiny, barely bigger than the catkins themselves, should you even be out and about by yourself".

Cat bristled at the very idea.

"Of course, I am old enough to take care of myself. My breed of cats don't grow much bigger than I am now".

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you". Said Owl, stifling a yawn.

"I think that I will name myself Pussy Willow from now on", and so he did.

All through Spring, Cat, now officially named Pussy Willow, played and tumbled with his new friends the catkins. All the animals watched, smiled, waved and some even joined in play with Pussy. Summer came around, the rains came in, the winds were strong and gusty. Pussy Willow was stuck at home for a few days. He was very happy when the rain stopped, and the sun came out again. Pussy raced to the forest to find his friends and play.

He searched and searched the air and ground, but not a single pussy or catkin could he find.

"Owl", he asked, "have you seen my friends the catkins today"?

"Well Cat, as you know, I mostly sleep during the day. They were here last time I was awake. Maybe if you check the night, you may find them there in the dark".

Cat waited until dark. Nope, no catkins were in the dark. Pussy Willow bid owl goodnight, telling her that he was going on a search to find his friends. Owl wished him good luck. A few days passed, Pussy had no luck. Then he met Foxy the fox and asked if Foxy had seen pussy willows anywhere.

"No, I haven't Pussy, but maybe if you check upon the mountain, it's not very high, so you could easily climb up to take a look".

Pussy thanked Foxy and went to search upon the mountain. He had no luck there either. Upon the mountain the beautiful butterflies flitted among the lovely flowers, it was very peaceful up there, Pussy was invited to stay and play. Sorry he replied, he had to continue his search for the pussy willow catkins.

"Maybe if you looked for them in the air, you might find them there". Suggested the butterflies. Since Pussy could not fly, he immediately dismissed that idea.

Pussy Willow searched and searched for a whole year, many animals had suggestions about where to look, some said a cave, some in treetops, others wanted him to burrow underground, swim in the sea, and the horses suggested running with them upon the wild open spaces. But Pussy was now exhausted and decided to return home, he never even noticed that it was spring again

Imagine his surprise when he found an abundance of his friends blowing everywhere in the forest with Owl hooting happily at his return.

The catkins were so elated at finding their friend again, they all flew to hug him at the same time. Pussy Willow was transformed into a very real Pussy Willow and stayed with his friends forever.

Every year someone plucks Pussy and takes him home, places him in water and enjoys his lushness. But he soon escapes out the window or doorway and hurry to join his friends in the wide-open spaces.

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