Dear Old Friend,
Oh the hours we've played, the hours we have spent together
No words are spoken, none are needed
Our connection is physical
Gentle belly rubs
And warm, soft, furry skin gently keeping winter chills from inflicting my being

I recall the days you would fit on my lap, resting in-between my thighs in that comfortable crease
You had pupils the size of a pinky toe, and your nose was in proportion to a dime
Sweetly, lovingly, I could hold you in my palms
Where did those days go?

I now must kneel to touch your feeble, aged body
You lay down most days. Tired? Pain?
I wish it was the first option

Your time has come, my companion, to be better once more
The hours are numbered, and I am counting
Though it hurts, it helps to know you will soon recover

I want you only to be that innocent baby again
I want the webs of your paws in my little fingers, I want your fluffy, perfectly soft self sleeping on my lap again


Sleep once more, sweet pet
Sleep eternally and immortally

It's bothersome
To come home and find you nagging
Impatient
And irritated
Waiting to tuck me in

Untying my shoes, you pester and bicker
Bicker and pester
Frustrated, I must remember you were only worried for me

Ascending the stairs, you use the passing lane and beat me to my bedroom
All the while nagging, what you do best

I slip my night clothes on, while you have already made my bed your home
Spending five minutes to find the prime spot and position
You are picky, finicky

The light goes off, and we share love the way we know and are familiar with
My knuckles out, you smudge them with your chilly pink nose
Your arms relaxed, I rest my hand on your belly, patting gently as you hug me back with all four appendages

All angst is forgotten, a routine chain of events

You are my cat
And you are my mother