I found the kitten lying lifeless in the grass
It’s body in a sickly contortion
I picked it up to find there was life in it still
An eye peeked out through crusted mucus
There was no fight as I cleaned its face with a warm cloth
Wearily it slumped on the counter as I warmed milk
Trying to be its savior I brought  milk to its lips
Neck unable to be supportive allowed its head to slump to the side
I tried to open its slender lips to force life back in
It could not be done, born with a jaw fused together
Fate had marked this animal for death
I wanted to cry for the deformed creature
My heart welled with anguish
My brain stopped the tears from wetting my cheek
This happens in nature, animals die
I return to the spot I found the poor soul
I may not be able to save it or bemoan its fate
But I will keep vigil so it does not die alone