Poetry Friday is with Susan at Chicken Spaghetti HERE. She's sharing a poem with some sage advice! Thanks for hosting, Susan!
Lots of good things happened in recent weeks. My "whole" family was able to have our Christmas together last Saturday. I am happy to have new volunteers at the used bookstore where I work and was able to get outside walking because the sidewalks are finally becoming clear of ice from the snow a few weeks ago. And, I've read a few good books. However, a couple of sad things have also happened. My daughter has many cats, some feral outside; some inside. One of them was hit in traffic a week ago and died. A volunteer I've recently spent some time with also lost her cat to a sudden illness. I don't have pets anymore but remember with much love a cat I had years ago named Max. Then, on the way home this week, I spied another cat by the side of the street, clearly dead from being hit. I needed to write.
Someone’s Cat
Someone’s cat was lying on the side
Of the road
On my way to work this morning.
He was curled like his brothers,
Looking comfortable in sleep.
I wondered if someone’s hand
Was missing that soft gray fur,
If someone’s lap was missing his warmth?
I imagine the bowl of cream
Left out
Untouched.
I hear a voice calling for him
Out a back door.
“He’s always been there before.”
But if no one is
Waiting,
Calling,
Crying,
Then I will give a thought to this gray cat,
And grieve for his passing.
Linda Baie ©
That is so touching, Linda. We have two cats, and I saw several strays this week near a school where I volunteer. They were in the street, and I hoped that they'd be okay.
ReplyDeleteThat's me, Susan, above! Didn't mean to be anonymous!
ReplyDeleteIt's okay, it happens! The feral cats especially, who won't stay in, are at risk, even if they've "adopted" you, still grew up outside. Thanks, Susan, hoping for all animals to be safe, this time in the city!
DeleteWhat a touching poem, Linda, especially so, because it's so empathetic -- not your cat, but you know it's someone's loss. A keeper for sure, and I am copying it into my journal. thank you! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Irene, the compounding of more sadness when I saw that cat felt so awful, I needed to find a way to take note of the passing. I'm glad I did.
DeleteI really like this poem, Linda. Lovely. Where I live, the humane society etc won't let you adopt unless you sign a contract promising to keep the cat indoors. My parents, who live in a rural area, have gotten all their cats as strays, and they are definitely not cats who are willing to stay inside. My mom goes to great lengths to bring them in at night so they don't get caught by bears or coyotes or whatever.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad sight! I hate that we trade the convenience of modern transportation for the risk to outdoor creatures, and I love the compassion in your last two lines.
ReplyDeleteOh, this makes me so sad. Poor animals. I agree with Tabatha -- there are many reasons why cats should be indoor pets. Thank you for putting your attention on these cats, so that we would do the same.
ReplyDeleteHow sad and there is such empathy in your poem, and generosity, Linda, imagining how these cats were important and contributed to life when they were alive.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your poem is so touching. I can't imagine all the sadness you have found these past weeks. I remember when I was four, my cat, Frankie Boy, jumped out of my arms and I witnessed a car hitting him. I was too young to do anything so I called for my Grandpa who took Frankie Boy home to rest. I have never forgotten that event. Thank you for tenderly writing a boy about an animal's passing. I am very happy to know that your family got together joyfully to celebrate Christmas. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteAppreciations for your feline feelings & warm heart. This poem speaks to my cat-owning core. XO for daughter's kitty loss & all the kits who aren't safe inside [ including against the freezes...]
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda. I feel your heart in this, and I love the ending. It's clear that whether or not anyone ELSE is grieving for this kitty, you care. And you're a witness for it. We all deserve that. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for your kind comments. It is a problem for so many small animals!
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is such a lovely (yet, sad) post. That cat was loved, even if only by you. We have a large yellow lab and have been pet sitting our son's dog - a little terrier type mut who I've become very attached to. I feel for anyone who has lost a pet, Our last cat died in my arms....I still miss Lewis. Thank you for paying homage to the gray cat on the side of the road. It could have been mine...or anyone's. You're a good and kind soul.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness...I wasn't prepared for the emotion of that poem. Well done. It's sad and hopeful. It's beautiful that this anonymous cat has your thoughts. Wonderful poem!
ReplyDeleteOH my, a hand missing that soft gray fur and then the thought of no one missing it but you as you pass by.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching poem and I'm so sorry for your daughter's cat.
ReplyDeleteSuch a poem of the heart. And a good reminder that we all should bear witness to the struggles and losses of others, be they cats (lost or feral), squirrels, or humans.
ReplyDeleteLinda: I'm so glad for the good things and so sorry for the sad. I notice animals at the side of the road... sigh. Your poem captures the sentiment beautifully. Thanks for sharing it, and sending wishes for more good things.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet ode to a stray - a stray who belonged to someone. You have a good heart, Linda. Hope you get more outdoor walks to nourish it.
ReplyDeleteIt's important, isn't it, to testify to the importance of these pets, and ponder what kind of lives they might have had, who might miss them and to honor them. You did that, Linda, with your sweet poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks again to everyone for the comments. I think we are a group that has a lot of love to give to all, as Mary Lee so beautifully wrote. I'll be offline for a while, need to do some tech work! Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe do need to give a thought and grieve for that which passes, whether it belongs personally to us or to the world. It's part of what keeps us human. Lovely poem, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi, you know I agree!
DeleteSuch a purrfect tribute to those deceased cats, Linda, highlighting the soft, warm companionship they provide.Jane Heitman Healy
ReplyDeleteYour post touches on so many things, Linda. On noticing, on empathy, on the need to write to work through experiences...Your poem is so poignant and captures the layers of loss in a simple yet profound and heartfelt way.
ReplyDelete