Jeff Schwaner’s poem about impending loss strikes me hard today.
Introduction to the arrival of the cat’s death
You have been coming this way for over a year
And I know it has taken a lot from you
Moving so slow
But I cannot let you in just yet.
He is too weak to move from our bed
These last few days but he still purrs
When he’s aware we are with him
And you can’t come into this room.
I will bring him down to you in a day
Or maybe two
There is so little left of him and by the time
I lift him from the bed everything
That’s valuable will already be gone.
I have carried them down before you know
I will not leave you waiting
Any longer than it takes in the meantime
There’s coffee a piano some books to read
The chairs I know are not comfortable
Down here where you wait
O at the Edges 
Thanks for sharing this, Bob. Makes me extra-grateful for my still well middle-aged felines and reminds me, too, of a friend whose good old cat’s passage can likewise not be far off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a powerful piece.
LikeLike
Thank you for forwarding this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was too good to keep to myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
so sad
LikeLiked by 1 person
And so well written. Jeff knocked it out of the park.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, man…this is a hard one. My cats (in particular, their passing) have helped me and my children accept death as a necessary part of life. I’ve been with two of our cats as they died, and while I was sad, it was a remarkable experience. Now, among other animals with whom we share our home, we have two cranky, old cats who are nonetheless sweet, and we recently took in an abandoned kitten. Talk about a jolt of life. Thanks for sharing this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way about our dogs. It’s a difficult transition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*weeping*
I have experienced this far too often, yet it never ever gets any easier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here. Jeff really captured that feeling.
LikeLike