Someone’s cat
lay at the side of the road
on my way to work this
morning.
He was curled like his
brothers,
seemed comfortable in his
sleep.
I wondered if someone’s hand
missed that soft grey fur,
if someone’s lap missed his
warmth.
I imagine the bowl of cream
sitting in the kitchen
untouched.
I hear the voice call for
him
out the back door.
“He’s always been there
before.”
But if no one is
waiting,
calling,
crying,
then I will give a thought
to this grey cat,
and grieve his passing.
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Be sure to read about a poetry month CHALK POEM finale that Betsy of Teaching Young Writers is hosting on April 30th. Come join us!
awww that is a sad one. So many pets go by the way of the roadside. I have loved your poetry this month.
ReplyDeleteTammy
Thanks Tammy. Though sad, it is one I just had to write because it happened. Hope you have a good weekend!
DeleteSadness. But your memorial, your honoring of the cat's life helps somehow. You noticed and marked Cat's passing. RIP, Kitty.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed important. Thanks, Mary Lee.
DeleteI always think about that when I see a cat that's gotten hit by a car. I love cats! Very nice poem...sad but pretty common sight.
ReplyDeleteWe've lost one cat in our family to the street, so I have such fondness for the owner (if there is one) whenever I see one that has died.
DeleteA thoughtful "thought" for the passed kitten.
ReplyDeleteA must do, Betsy!
DeleteSo sad but I always say a little prayer for the animals that have gotten hit and are laying by the roadside.
ReplyDeleteNice to do, isn't it?
DeleteThis poem brought tears to my eyes. Less than a month ago, we had to have my cat Abby--who was gray and white--put to sleep. I was away from home at the time and couldn't be with her when she took her last breath. I miss her company...her curling at my side when I read the newspaper in the morning...her sitting on the chair beside me when I work at my computer...her snuggling close to me in bed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elaine, I'm sorry about your dear pet. They are so missed I realize, hence my feelings in the poem.
DeleteThank you for paying tribute to the cat at the side of the road.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see a rabbit or cat lying at the side of the road, I repeat a quotation from Watership Down -- "My heart has joined the Thousand, my friend stopped running today."
Oh, I don't remember that from the book; it's been a while. But I love the book & have taught it to my students occasionally. Thank you Beth for reminding me.
DeleteThank you for sharing this lovely tribute, Linda. Like Katherine, I say a prayer each time I see an animal by the side of the road.
ReplyDeleteEvery time, I feel a lump in my throat, Robyn. Thank you for sharing that you do, too.
DeleteSo special for the deceased Kitty...I am sad for all animals that are hit by cars etc. We see a lot of this in the suburban/rural areas near us...It breaks my heart. You write such beautiful poetry Linda! Thank you for always sharing your talent!
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy. It is sad, & always surprising that so many are out there free! I wish people would keep their pets in.
DeleteAwww, heart-tugging poem indeed.
ReplyDelete