Free to Run

One from the archives (totally reworked) describing the day I came home to put my mother’s old cat beyond suffering. 

The dreaded hour, my summons home,
a sombre task.
Always fiercely a one-woman cat
rescued from cruelty, untrusting
hissing exchange,
for tentative interaction. 

But last night you crept in
slept on my chest…
as though in unspoken ,
feline appreciation,
of my forthcoming sad service.

Then…
The stark environment, juxtaposed
sanitised steel tables and antiseptic,
with soft fur and beating heart.
Stroking your fragile frame
clouding eyes locked
with tear-filled, loving gaze,
and you were gone.

Mindful of when healing starts,
I took you home, still warm,
cradled like a new-born, babe-in-arms.
Black and white tail dangling from pink blanket,
ears still alert.

Tenderly she kissed your peaceful head.

Two old ladies, bonded by love
beyond space, time and form,
yes, even death.

Placing you gently in the ground.
In company now with childhood furred friends.
Years slipped away…

I gave thanks.