A few months ago I tried to ask you, neighbor, if you would be willing do something to prevent your cat from killing so many birds. I came with lots of ideas, and I spoke respectfully, and you insulted me for being a parent. I was hurt by the fact that you attacked me personally, and confused as to why you brought up my kids. In a hotheaded moment I tried to make myself feel better and perhaps make light of the situation by posting a rant here. I immediately regretted being petty. I see now, belatedly, that my rant was featured, that my attempt to be funny was foolish, and that my title was a self-own.

I’m not good at clever comebacks. I’m a socially awkward, highly sensitive person. The truth is that it hurt me to witness a lot of birds being senselessly killed. There are many ways to protect birds from one’s pet cat, including using silly-looking collars that are designed to warn the birds away, or keeping cats inside when it’s dark out. Birds are in big trouble. Even the populations of common birds like robins are declining. I came to you thinking we might be able to see each other’s point of view, and I even thought that we could work together to protect the neighborhood birds.

I’m posting this because I need to have integrity, not because I need you to like me. Whatever you have against women who have children is your business, not mine. I regret posting a childish rant, but I still hope you will consider doing something to protect wild birds from your pets.