A black and white X-ray I couldn't afford
clear and perfect, digitally presented with scientific precision
A tumor.  
Inside your small fuzzy belly
Your skeleton is perfect, little street cat
We met over twelve years ago on a beach in Haifa
You were crying out, abandoned, starving
I took you in and loved you
We've been together, long after my bond with that male human ended
I wish he'd care now to hear of your plight
I don't want you to leave me, please don't go
You were with me through all the trauma and fear of divorce
You were flown across the world to me, to hide under a blanket
In your California home, a new citizen, without papers
I couldn't afford that, either
I can't afford to lose you
I love you and I always will, feline companion