Old Friend

I remember, years ago

We brought you home.

A grey ball of fuzz,

We did not see you for two days, as you hid away,

                                    Terrified.

 

Time passed…

 

We’ve had our differences.

 

I still feel the gentle nip of your teeth on my cheek,

When my raised voice upset you.

Too angry, I could not see you begging me to be peaceful.

The painful sting of your startled claws on my leg

as I rushed past you.

Too much in a hurry,

I misunderstood your signs asking me to slow down.

 

Now I sit here with you curled on my lap.

I have come to know you so well.

                                    You love bananas,

                                    You hate loud noises.

 

My bladder groans under the agony of fullness.

My stomach grumbles its disdain of emptiness.

 

But here I sit,

Stroking your soft head.

Perhaps because your happiness outweighs my own?

 

As broken rumbles escape your throat,

Causing my heart to flip-flop,

It’s then I realize…

 

In this moment,

Your happiness matches my own.

Reviews

[I.M. de Ville]

This was so sweet. I felt the same way about a cat I had when I was younger. I really liked the words you used in this. I like that you poured your heart for your kitten into this poem. The love and adoration you feel for him must be very strong. I like the ending and how you conclude that your happiness is equal to each other's. It was very sweet :)

[Fleur-de-lys]

YES. I am speechless at your ability to observe such subtle actions. Sometimes I think our cats know how to live life better than we do.

[Steve]

Its not just that i love cats but.....this was really good! I like how this developed.....a great read!

[Poeticpiers]

superb observation well presented in poetic prose. Any cat lover will understand