In Memory of Grumpy Cat

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Elegy, a poem of mourning, or, a sad and thoughtful poem about the death of an individual (but in this case, it is a cat.) Grumpy was a stray cat that hung around our porch and I started to feed him. Soon he was mine, He was of undetermined age, life had been hard for this boy, he had nicks in his ears. I thought he was a black cat until I washed him and a brown tabby was revealed. He was my best friend. When he died, I was shattered, weeping for weeks . . . of course I have had many cats since, but that Grumpy dwells in a special place in my heart, perhaps because he was broken and so was I. I wrote this poem and keep it in a memory album of him with pictures, and today I searched for it, so I could post it to this contest, and the memories came flooding back. I have edited the poem, as it was just one page written by the child who was me . . .
It is so hard to say goodbye.  The end has come.
     I knew it would . . .  someday.  Such a good cat;
for twelve long years, my Grumpy, always there for me,
            wanting a pat, a lap, a snack to make you fat.

I recall our first meeting on a freezing winter day,
      cold, unfriendly eyes of a stray, rejected by the world;
alone and afraid, hissing.  Slowly a trusting friendship,
            and eventually in my arms you were curled.

How can I endure this cruel world without my friend?
     But of course, I must go on . . .  I imagine you;
in a beautiful garden, lush and green.  Sunshine streaming,
            bird songs filling the air, and a sky azure blue.

You are busy grooming your shiny brown tabby fur,
     amber eyes twinkle, a little pink tongue busy curling;
a paw, a face . . .  something catches your attention;
            you jump up to swat a passing butterfly whirling.

Rolling in the cool grass, you curl up for a nap, 
     with a sigh . . .  and death came to you like a thief;
till I draw my last breath, I will hold you in my heart,
             the price I pay for loving you so much, is grief.

But, I would not change one moment of our time together,
      you were a gift from God, to last me all my lifetime;
never to be repeated . . . as you drew your last breath,
                I whispered in your ear, till to heaven I climb,

       and I placed you in God's loving arms in the meantime . . . 

__________________________
Written at sixteen years old
Posted, April 27, 2017

Elegy/In Memory Of Grumpy Cat
Copyright Protected, ID 895903

Juvenilia
Ceclia Hopkins-Drewer


__________________________
    
"All things bright and beautiful,
 All creatures great and small:
 All things wise and wonderful,
 The Lord God made them all . . . ."
     (Mrs. Cecil Frances Humpreys Alexander, 1848)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 9/2/2018 10:22:00 AM
Thanks you to all who commented on my poem about Grumpy, it has been years since he left for heaven and this poem still brings tears to my eyes ~
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Date: 5/29/2017 1:45:00 PM
Yes the Lord God made them all. It is hard to lose a pet they are part of the family. So I do understand the loss of a pet. It is a very touching poem. Well done.
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Date: 5/1/2017 10:36:00 AM
Good Morning Broken. I'm sorry for the loss of Grumpy Cat. I adore cats thus I turned to this entry. I very much miss our family cat we had for many years. They provide love and more. They are filled with personality and are our family. The entry is loving and heartfelt with a most beautiful and touching ending to match your dedication. Well done entirely.
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Date: 4/30/2017 7:07:00 AM
Heartfelt poem BW.
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Date: 4/28/2017 7:43:00 PM
You were a wonderful poet even at that young age, Constance. I too have a special place in my heart for my Callie Cat. I love Razzmatazz but she just isn't as friendly. You will see your cat in heaven. I know it.
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Date: 4/27/2017 12:51:00 PM
You were angel to this spirit...beautiful
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Date: 4/27/2017 11:21:00 AM
aww Constance a lovely tribute to your beloved pet - we never got another one after ours was killed and as I have an allergy it was a wise move:-( hugs jan xx
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Date: 4/27/2017 8:51:00 AM
Extremely beautiful and one I can relate to. I have had many pets in my life and have come to the realization that they will go before me, but it doesn't stop the sadness from flowing when one meets its end. I loved this.
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La France Avatar
Constance La France
Date: 4/27/2017 9:08:00 AM
The price we pay for loving, is grief. Thanks for visiting my poem.
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