My hands hold
the pattern that
holds them fast. Your
hands pluck the string
to make the music
that frees me up
at last. We lift away
entanglements
and so on for many verses continuing in this fetching style. So begins the poem by Amit Majmudar as received in my inbox from Knopf publishers and their annual celebration of poetry sent every April to your email for a month of “A Poem a day”. Cat’s Cradle is neither a soft cat bed nor a hammock for your cat’s frequent cap naps. We all know they sleep ¾ ‘s of the day. Don’t we all wish we could sleep as soundly without all of that time wishing we were asleep. But that is a different problem.
Mujmudar’ Cat’s Cradle poem is full of memories that I share from my childhood, and since, have taught to many children and young adults. It can be played solo or with a friend. Loops of string are held by the fingers and then pulled taught so the strings can be maneuvered with the fingers into different configurations. Some are named, such as “Witch’s Broom”. The game is addictive and does not need electronics or a ton of money to buy. If you are not familiar with the game, go to YouTube and search the many results. Videos are included as well. Then you can teach it to your children, nieces, grandchildren or friends. Guys, you can play it as well. Personal note, with my arthritic fingers is more difficult to maneuver.
The history of the game; It may have started in China, or the Middle East. It had many different names, traced back to the 1700’s, often called “Catch Cradle”; referring to the cradle in which Jesus was born. I am not sure I could play the game with out snarling the yarn with my arthritic fingers. However I am not sure I could play many of the childhood games such as jump rope, Tidily winks or Ball and Jacks. I played that game daily in grade school, arriving early so we could have B and J tournaments. I was the class champion, winning most of the time. I hope you enjoyed this journey back in time and enjoy when you share your stories.
Nowadays, the youngsters play anything electronic and often solo not with friends. Times change but the old remains in our memories. Back to the NYT crossword puzzle and solitaire on my computer. Just thought I would share and seek your memories.