105 Ways to Give a Book

Poetry Friday: Heart of a Cat

I’m generally no poet, but I wanted to try to capture some of the feeling of my beloved cat Chloe, who passed over to the Great Kitty Beyond on Wednesday. The family is very sad to see her go, but relieved to put an end to a long decline into suffering. In a way, she was my kitty more than the others — as cats do choose Their Person. It’s hard without her, but I know that she had a wonderful, happy life with us, as we did with her. So to Chloe:
Heart of a Cat

That day your heart beat so fast.
Pressed against me, a tiny kitten
Squirming against restraint
Yet grateful for the warmth.
Lost, hidden in the darkness,
Emerging to the call of stranger.
As if you knew us even then.

For years you graced us with
A gentle nature, a sweet spirit.
So loving that you would purr
at just the caress of your name.
Opening your heart to a little sister,
who repaid the honor with licks
and cuddles, fur blended together
Eyes in blissful crescent kitty slits.

Sweet, polite even in decline,
Asking for food with the quietest meow
Hovering at the edges of illness
As we went on with chaotic lives.
Only as it was quiet again
Did you fade, stumble.
Even with help, leaving us gently.
Ignoring our tears with love
As your heartbeat slowed to a stop.

My only regret the elusive nature
of memory that can’t capture
the feel of your fur under my hands,
or the vibration in your purr.
But nothing of the sense of you
will be lost to us here,
As your loviness and happiness
Live on in our hearts, forever.


Poetry Friday is hosted at A Wrung Sponge. (Which incidentally, is how I feel.)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful tribute. You really capture the cat's personality and your relationship! Thanks for sharing!

Bill said...

Absolutely beautiful -- you've managed to capture her spirit beautifully. Not to mention the spot-on remembrance of our first discovery of her -- a little kitten out all alone but eager to come to us.

I'm saddened and heartwarmed at the same time.

tanita✿davis said...

Oh, Pam, I'm so sorry about the kitty - but yes, a relief to end the suffering. May her memory bring you joy.

Andromeda Jazmon said...

That is a very sweet and lovely tribute to your kitty. I am sorry for your loss. We had to move my kitties to my sisters house because of allergies and I miss them still. There is nothing like the warmth and joy of a contented cat in the house!

Sarah Rettger said...

So sorry about your cat, Pam.

Mary Lee said...

It's so hard to let go...so hard to say goodbye. Peace to you and your family. And condolences. Your poem is a lovely and loving tribute.

Jessica @Vegbooks.org said...

I'm sorry to learn of your loss. My heart goes out to you. Sometimes a good book - Cat Heaven or The Best Cat in the World - can be bring some comfort. Warm wishes.

Carol said...

So, so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved family member. A beautiful poem…