June 5, 1965

Perhaps you recall the Cat Stevens' song, "Morning has broken." The words to that were written by Eleanor Farjeon. (February 13, 1881 to June 5, 1965). This prolific British author wrote childrens literature of some fame, poetry, and often collaborated with her brother the playright Herbert Farjeon on writing projects. The whole family was artistically gifted, Her father Benjamin was a popular novelist, and her mother connected to the theatre, so she moved naturally in literary circles, and counted people like D. H. Lawrence and Walter de la Mare, among her friends.

This poem about cats was one of many descriptions she wrote:

Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair.
Top of piano, window-ledge. In the middle, on the edge.
Open drawer, empty shoe, anybody’s lap will do!
Fitted in a cardboard box. In the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don’t care! Cat sleep anywhere.

This interesting family deserves more research, and here is a good place to start.