[Book Sip] From Agengi to Adult Cat... The Rapid Growth of 40 Cats

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The poet-author is well known as the operator of a stray cat feeding station named ‘Goyang-i Sikdang’ (Cat Restaurant). The book contains 17 years of observations on the growth of 40 stray kittens met on the street as they grew into adult cats. It introduces the growth records of 40 cats with whom the author maintained steady contact for at least one year. The book also includes photos capturing scenes of cats climbing trees in nature, rolling wild grapes or acorns like balls, and running fiercely through snowy fields. It is filled with the poet’s love for the unnoticed lives on the streets.

There is no life that is insignificant. The same goes for cats. Even cats living a life marginalized outside human attention fulfill their roles as cats. Cats live with all their might as cats. I merely added a little food to their lives, called their names, and recorded their lives. Looking back, despite harsh realities, they were brave rather than resigned, dignified rather than servile. They neither lamented their circumstances nor felt ashamed of living as cats. Thanks to regular feeding, they were freed from the burden of hunting and enjoyed hobbies and leisure, embracing nature. I liked that image. Putting aside painful realities for a moment, enjoying one’s own time as long as one’s belly is full. In fact, such work is impossible without the cooperation of the cats. Fortunately, I met quite a few cooperative cats and was able to continue collaborating with them for many years. - From the text

When I arrived, Maengja blinked his eyes as a final farewell with all his might. Not knowing that, I even scolded him inwardly, thinking he wouldn’t come to greet me anymore. Perhaps he waited until I came and then closed his eyes. I held the cold Maengja tightly one last time and cried for a long while. Then, I dug a grave on the hill I often climbed and buried him. It was a winter day when the severe cold snap began. - From the text

Seeing a kitten who seemed about to die stubbornly eat and gradually gain weight to grow into a respectable cat brings some consolation that the food deliveries were not in vain. The scorn and various wounds I received while delivering food and taking photos of cats disappear in an instant. In fact, countless cats become stars because they do not receive help during critical moments of illness and hunger. It is a miracle that all the grown stray cats safely became adult cats. - From the text

This Child Grows Up Like This | Written by Lee Yonghan | Iyagijangsu | 392 pages | 19,800 KRW

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