Absence

(Little Oscar 10 years our feline friend)

Those roses are now drained of colour,

from neglect and thirst I would say.

But the blooms that once were so scented

remain true to their virginal shape.

And though they're somewhat anaemic,

I'm not ready to part from them yet,

for dried and decaying they may be,

they're placed with respect for a pet.

Whose death gnaws away at my being,

whose ghost I am constantly seeing.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your poem brings so much to mind, my review may exceed the length of your poem. First, I thought about how I don’t prune my roses right away – healthier for the plant. Then I realized you’re writing about a bouquet of roses, not a plant -- I love the details you use to describe the detritus in such artful attractive terms. Finally, I’m reminded of my own kitty who ran away a few years ago & I still look after her, hoping to catch a glimpse amongst the feral community down by the creek! After getting thru all the ways I relate to your poem, I can also say I love your dedication to a furry friend (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie, a bouquet of roses for you, for finding so much to write about in my short poem. I am pleased it gave you much to think about. Sorry about your kitty. Must be even worse if they run away. Miss my little Oscar, such an adorable, friendly cat.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

Although my experiences with grief and honoring such passing through veils of life and death are not directly those of losing a feline companion, nonetheless I can relate both literally and metaphorically to the wilting of roses as I have grieved losses both real and perceived. I have often questioned the symbolic significance of black roses so beautiful and so distinct from those truly dead or dying. I have a tattoo of a sunset rose on my outer right ankle to honor these such experiences alongside the line "Decorate Your Own Soul" from a famous anonymous poem that circulates every now and then; you can easily search for it by that line if you are so inclined. It relates to these such sentiments: "with every goodbye we learn".

[Chris Shaw]

The loss of pets is devastating. We have had five cats over the years. Four of them no longer with us. When they passed it was like losing family. So attached we become to our pets. I will look up that poem, thank you.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

I have heard many people consider their pets like family, and it certainly makes sense. For lack of a better phrase, I am sorry for this devastation of yours although glad for the care you have undoubtedly shared. Please feel welcome to let me know if you have reflections on that poem or want to discuss further.

[Onlyme]

Sorry for your loss Chris, Feel for you. And know the emotions you are feeling to well. Take comfort in knowing your Oscar is running free and watching over you daily. And I bet the odd time he is having a little piddle on your blooms.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dee for your kind thoughts.

Chris

[OCT]

I feel your love for your friend, I love my pet cat also

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you s much. Give your cat an extra cuddle from me will ya?

Chris

[00000000000000000000000..]

Id do that for my ole buddy as well there like family hang right with ya in every beat. My ole buddy was scared to death last night but can't say blame him we had a really bad storm last night and I had a garage in a box tent more less 20x12x10 and it got destroyed! Well I had to go out and deal with all that mess thunder lightning and rain and high winds because if I didn't it blew in a house or something worse but he was right on me. Well sorry for your loss Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry about that storm Jon and your old buddy being really scared. Thank you for checking in.

Chris

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Welcome Chris

[ohiojohn]

Quaint, simple, but effective.

You keep it up and the Cary sisters might haunt you out of professional jealousy. :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Smiling at you John. I've got a long way to go before I reach their standard :))

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

How well you express this loss. Whether a person or an animal, the hurt may linger long, or even forever. I still have a bouquet from my father's funeral, nineteen years ago, so I perfectly understand why you have yours. Memory sometimes isn't enough and we need a tangible link to that grievous event.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your story about the bouquet from your Dad's funeral. I really think you understand why I can't part with those roses. You really get it Samuel.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Touching.
In some ways, Chris, we mourn for a lifetime the loss of those once close to us.
Compelling bit of work!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jimmy. That little feline is hugely missed. I think you are right, we mourn our losses for a lifetime. The grief softens, but the absence remains.

[sette]

it brings me back memories of how i have lost my first dog.. it took me a long time to get over it... for the reason that there was love, reciprocal at that which made it more painful.. but eventually have to move forward and try to live again.. nice poem Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you sette. Yes, the price you pay for love can be pain. Thank you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they are so much our family...and we mourn them as we do our human family.

a really moving tribute.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob and it is so good to see you back. You have been missed.

Chris