my insistent love,
where do you go
for hours at a time
and only show up
when you need me?
You walk past,
silent and sullen.
Are you jealous
that I married
someone else?
I feel guilty
because I know
how alone you are
but you offer me
no absolution.
Just a sour look
and a weepy cry
from your gray scowl.
You’ve no shame
in your demands:
Stop ignoring me.
Feed me.
You must love me.
Again
our eyes lock
as they did that first day
and I read your mind:
“this would be
a whole different story
if you were the cat.”
[Note: This poem was for my beloved Alice, my little friend since 2001. This is the last picture taken of her.]
She's beautiful, Mosky. I'm sorry she has gone on ahead without you. I know you will miss her. The poem is utterly charming.
ReplyDeleteThanks, she was a real delight. Whenever I said anything, she'd answer with a meow. She was a chatty cat.
DeleteSadness, and young too! My heart is with you! "Alice, / my insistent love"
ReplyDeleteThe relationship was deep, and needy:
"Stop ignoring me.
Feed me.
You must love me."
I love the reversal at the end. After all, you needed her too.
Of course, I loved and needed her too. Thanks, Mosk.
DeleteShe's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I know my cats are like children to me.
Yes, now we're down to one overweight black cat with a snaggle tooth, named Sadie.
DeleteThanks.
So sorry for your loss. It's hard to lose a beloved pet. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, yes, now we're down to three dogs and one cat. She'd been with me through a lot.
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your precious kitty. I know you will miss her.
ReplyDeleteYes, every day when I got home I'd say "Hey cat! Where's your hat?" I thought it was funny - she was just happy I came home. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteA charming tribute to your cat ~ Thanks for sharing ~
ReplyDeleteThanks, yes she was one of a kind
DeleteAww...sad she is gone. Your end stanza gave me a chuckle...and oh that cat-titude...you describe it well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and yes she had enough catitude for two cats.
Deletevery touching, Mosk. There is almost nothing that is comparable to the love of one's pets. May you meet Alice again in the Great Beyond someday.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary, I'm hoping I will too.
Deletebeautiful...
ReplyDeletei'm so sorry for your loss! it's been almost six years since i lost my Jazz. i don't know if this will help you, but it did me ~
ReplyDeleteTHE RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Thank you, and I loved that passage. Made me choke up. :)
DeleteWhen I read "Feed me," I wondered if she was a cat. :) This is wonderful, Mosk! I love it! The entire thing made me very happy. For most of the poem, you had me duped, thinking this was the best friend you had turned away from in order to marry another.
ReplyDeleteThanks, in many ways, she was a best friend. Glad you liked it.
DeleteOh, the naked pain of sending a kindred creature to the great beyond.
ReplyDeleteYes, but it was worse seeing her in so much pain before she died. Thanks.
DeleteAwwww, this reminds me of my cat - Charlie Gin. I know how it is to lose a pet.
ReplyDeleteI like that name Charlie Gin, Alice's full name was Alice Kramden. Thanks.
DeleteI love how you shared Alice~ The connection of animals goes right to our souls~ I am sad for your loss...she was a beauty~
ReplyDeleteThanks, I agree animals go straight to our souls because they just love us, no restrictions.
DeleteMosk, a lovely tribute. She looks like my cat growing up, Sadie. Lo siento, hermano. Ameleh
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amemleh - coincidentally we still have a black cat named Sadie!
Deletesorry man, i feel you...we have an older cat about 14 years that will soon be on her way...she survived an alligator attack like 10 years ago...still bears the scars....she thinks she is the mom of my boys too...its cute the way she checks on them....
ReplyDelete