Dear Dying Cat

I saw your form, dear dying cat
On a winter's night un-snowing
Lying there across my path.
I rushed from my car unknowing
Of when you'd met with the fatal blow
That left you lying still.
Whether ‘twas swift or painfully slow,
Your dying took not your will
For crouching beside you, I saw you respire
And chose to pick you up.
I desperately hoped you wouldn't expire
As your head I did gently cup.

I searched for one who would surely miss
Affections you must have shown,
And I felt somehow I'd be remiss
To let you die alone.
So door to door I nearly ran,
But no one gave a care.
Your eyes I frequently would scan
To see the light still there.
But then as I was cradling you,
You breathed your final breath.
I sensed your soul release. It flew,
And I was holding death.

Oh, could you tell, dear dying cat,
Before your soul did pass,
I cared? I quietly grieved, and with that,
I placed your corpse on the grass.


for PD's a poem you have not entered in a past contest # 11 Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Schatz Avatar
February 21, 2024 at 12:32 AM
My, have you written a lot! This one brought me to tears.
Arnone Avatar
September 2, 2016 at 2:12 PM
Andrea, you ran door to door and no one cared? I don't believe it! ;-o Our cat, Daisy, died a few years ago. She was 17.
Austin Avatar
August 30, 2016 at 11:46 AM
This is first rate, Andre. I'd hate to remember all the dead and dying kitties I've attended. I want to cry. Congrats, daver
Hay Avatar
August 30, 2016 at 6:36 AM
I'm sure that cat would have known you cared Andrea, lovely yet sad poem, well done, warm regards, Laura.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 28, 2016 at 10:49 PM
Congratulations on having this beautifully written poem featured Andrea. You bring out the empathy in me with your caring for this sweet cat. 7 ; )
Inman Avatar
August 28, 2016 at 8:58 PM
This such a touching poem Andrea. It gave me a bit of a sniffle. Poor kitty.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 28, 2016 at 8:48 PM
Sweet and sad. Nicely written!
Anish Avatar
September 16, 2014 at 11:34 PM
What a sad picture you drew here. My own cat - Bilbo - died a number of years ago and I was quite upset. Well done! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Trichet Avatar
September 14, 2014 at 5:14 PM
Congrats to you Andrea on such a tender poem
Inyoureyes Avatar
September 14, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Congrats on your win... It was really well deserved
Inyoureyes Avatar
September 14, 2014 at 7:27 AM
...wow, so sad but also sweet and touching
Allison Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 8:36 PM
Such a tender sad write Andrea - this happened to our cat 'Poshpaws' many years ago - she was hit but not killed and a lovely person found her in the roadside and took her to the vet - she later died but I never forgot the act of kindness - they had even paid the vets bill! Feel weepy now reminiscing :-( hugs Jan xx
Smith Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 7:13 PM
How sad Andrea...I found frozen cat in the middle of the road and called the city...they told me to throw it in the garbage....My oldest son and I buried it in a field by our house
Haight Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 5:16 PM
Andrea...I adore cats. Your poem really moved me to tears...your sentiments and actions so closely matched mine in how I would have felt and acted...so much emotion and caring. Congratulations on your well-deserved win! Sandra
Konos Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 10:59 AM
what a wow wow.....all I can say is wow
Ebbs Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 8:50 AM
We have dogs, a couple of english mastiffs, but we had a cat too. Tasha the cat ended up with heart and kidney problems. After giving her IV's at home for a week we were still loosing her and took her too our vet where she was put down. The part of the soul release is so true and tearfully heart wrenching...even for a cat. A very touching poem, Thank You Andrea!
Mehta Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 8:11 AM
Very touching.Congrats on the top place win, Andrea
Foster Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 7:57 AM
So sad that many did not care about the fate of the poor cat, but one did and took the time to let it know it was not alone as it passed from this life. A poem that tugs at the heart strings, a well deserved win. Congratulations.
Yvonne Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 7:06 AM
WOW!!!! First Place Overall! How delicious a win for an incredible poet. WOW!!!!
Horn Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 5:17 AM
Dug a hole and placed body below the grass. That is how I would have ended it. Other then that it is profound, implicit and exquisite. We have deer being hit problems around here. Do you know a poet Virginia Mitchell. Check out my messages. http://www.poetrysoup.com/member_area/my_inbox.aspx Jim Horn
Dietrich Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 5:41 PM
James, it is a true story and I wanted to be true to the reality of it. I was late for work when it happened and truly did not know what to do except lie the poor cat on the ground close by a curb so maybe someone would be searching and see it. I do hope the owners found it first and not the city.
Mcintosh Avatar
September 13, 2014 at 1:01 AM
Congratulations and I like this one... I, too, care about the ones I see along the road. I love them - not like I do my own dog, but I still love them. Love and prayers, Gina
A. Sharma Avatar
September 12, 2014 at 9:37 PM
Oh Andrea it's amazingly emotional! I could feel the pain as I too hv been thru this in my life! Great work! Congrats on huge win!
La France Avatar
September 12, 2014 at 5:15 PM
O, Andrea, first I must wipe my tears away, this poem is so sadly beautiful, I know in my heart you are the type of person who would do this wonderful act of kindness, I am sure the cat did know of your love in that last moment and congratulations on your well deserved first place win ~~
Posey Avatar
September 12, 2014 at 5:13 PM
If a pet can reach even the smallest part of your heart, you are doomed to grief when they die..... Congratulations.... great work sweetheart.... Jake
Devnath  Avatar
September 12, 2014 at 3:13 PM
Congrats on your superb win, my lovely friend. Loved always, bl
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace