I've always been fond of unique and interesting things since my littlehood. My folks would often bring curiouso back from where'er they'd been, be it a trip to the market or, in dad's case, from abroad; and had they spied some little thing with character, they'd grace me with this souvenir as my latest treasure. I'd be just as pleased with a polished acorn found on the sidewalk as I would be with anything they could buy- as was my delight in nature's bounty.
When I was about 12 years old, my mother gave me this tiny little book, with tiny little pages of paintings and poetry all about cats. How fun! I was entranced making out the poems, when I stumbled upon one in particular that hooked me with the first line.
"I and Pangur Ban, my cat,"
What a funny name for a kitty! Or for anyone at all, really. I decided immediately that I loved it. As I read on, I was transported to a little stone dwelling, in which this humble Irish monk must live. I could see his small, simple writing desk in front of the open window, which would let in the perfect breeze at any hour. I imagined this sweet, round-faced monk, idly amusing his pet cat with a feather pen on the table. And thus being inspired, bent over a fresh parchment and dipped the feather into the inkwell.
I felt I so well related to this anonymous fellow, that I was certain we may have been friends in another life; and I memorized the words. Because whenever I felt blue, just reciting it to myself made me feel considerably better.
When I first created my feline character Pangur Ban over 10 years ago in my Loreafloris Chronicles, I didn't realize just how famous the poem was, and I didn't think anyone would know where it had come from *lol* When I saw "The Book Of Kells" animation I died of sadness in a way, being brought out of my ignorance so thoroughly. Since then I've changed the spelling to Pangyr Ban, but oh well. I know everyone will know the poem that inspired me, and that's okay. It's my tribute to the unknown Irish monk that I felt such a connection with. You can see the painting of My Pangyr Ban up above.
For those of you who've never read it, I very much hope you receive the same great pleasure in its discovery that I did back when. Enjoy!
Pangur Ban
I and Pangur Ban, my cat,
'Tis a like task we are at;
Hunting mice is his delight,
Hunting words I sit all night.
Better far than praise of men
'Tis to sit with book and pen;
Pangur bears me no ill will;
He, too, plies his simple skill.
'Tis a merry thing to see
At our task how glad are we,
When at home we sit and find
Entertainment to our mind.
Oftentimes a mouse will stray
Into the hero Pangur's way;
Oftentimes my keen thought set
Takes a meaning in its net.
'Gainst the wall he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
'Gainst the wall of knowledge I
All my little wisdom try.
When a mouse darts from its den.
O how glad is Pangur then!
O what gladness do I prove
When I solve the doubts I love!
So in peace our tasks we ply,
Pangur Ban, my cat and I;
In our arts we find our bliss,
I have mine, and he has his.
Practice every day has made
Pangur perfect in his trade ;
I get wisdom day and night,
Turning Darkness into light.
