From downstairs there are heavy sobs –
from my bed arms length away,
hushed purrs
Before he goes
to sleep, he kneads the blankets –
I lie still, watching perfect
little paws making
their way to comfort but
-- there is no way
to apologize
for scruffing his neck
scolding him for the death
of a snake who was only
hiding in its cage
to forgive
him for tearing apart
countless carpets, posters,
skin from the back of my hands
and now the heart of that woman downstairs
--there is no way
to say cancer
or goodbye
without cringing
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015 at 7:43 PM UTC
From downstairs there are heavy sobs –
from my bed arms length away,
hushed purrs
Before he goes
to sleep, he kneads the blankets –
I lie still, watching perfect
little paws making
their way to comfort but
-- there is no way
to apologize
for scruffing his neck
scolding him for the death
of a snake who was only
hiding in its cage
to forgive
him for tearing apart
countless carpets, posters,
skin from the back of my hands
and now the heart of that woman downstairs
--there is no way
to say cancer
or goodbye
without cringing
We've had Tigger for about ten years. I remember getting him - "free kitten" sign on the way home from our boat marina all those years ago. My mom could get a kitten if my dad could get a motorcycle.
Tig was recently diagnosed with lymph cancer and we have been told that he has only a limited time to live. Tig and my mom have always been particularly fond of each other so I know that this news is hurting her most. Lots of sighs.
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