from the sixth year
can be heard the knell
grows the shadow of fear
signs show up telltale.
dimmer grows eye light
lost is silken gleam
flat grows appetite
time gone is a dream.
elements now hurt more
so the endless fight
the warmth of indoor
lures with invite.
too far is next summer
in this death harsh cold
a memory's small splinter
could not be seven year old.
most of my cats depart before reaching the age of seven.