How to Herd Cats

First, learn the terrain
from earth to rooftop ridge:
every burrow, every branch,
every furrow the rain runs.

Second, learn the lesser lives:
the generations of rabbits,
the gyrations of starlings
gathered in murmurations.

Third, master wind and air:
stir fog from morning dew,
muster an army of clouds
to march in autumn storm.

Four, harness these tools.
Steer cats by wafted drafts
that speak of mouse, or mole,
or the secrets of sparrows.