This poem was written by T.S. Eliot to go in the Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, which was published in 1939. Old Possum was T. S. Eliot's nickname. The book  was used in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Cats'.

 

Let's read the poem!

 

 

Macavity: The Mystery Cat

 

Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw –

For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.

He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair:

For when they reach the scene of crime – Macavity's not there!

 

Macavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin;

You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.

His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;

His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.

He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;

And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake.

 

He's outwardly respectable (They say he cheats at cards.)

And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's

And when the larder's looted, or the jewel-case is rifled,

Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke's been stifled,

Or the greenhouse glass is broken, and the trellis past repair –

Ay, there's the wonder of the thing! Macavity's not there!

 

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Now we'll use this poem to help us answer some questions.

You can look back at this poem at any point by clicking on the red help button on the screen.