In Memory of Patches

I kept my Patches living with medication and trips to the Vet for a year. But, I did not mind because I loved her so much. She had cancer and would die. I put that in the back of my mind and enjoyed each day I still had left with my precious girl. In time, she became frail and fragile. Her bones were stiff and brittle and she had trouble walking but she never missed her litter box. She was a real good girl. Then, one weekend, things changed she was shaky and weak, and I could see her days in this world were tenuous. And often she cried out in pain, so I held her in my arms all that long weekend. the birds were singing with beautiful melodies- but d e a t h was knocking On the Monday, I tenderly carried her to the Vet and he told me the truth. It was immutable. He was firm that the time had come to do the right thing. Oh, it was a formidable decision, so difficult and daunting but I made it with great love to end my beautiful cat's suffering. We were led to a special room, it was quite nice and comfortable. They took Patches away and I wept, alone. Then, they brought her back wrapped in a blanket and placed her in my arms. There was a short interlude, a respite, a pause and it was just me and my cat. I told her over and over, how much I loved her and to my surprise she purred. the little fur ball was sleeping sound in my hand- the c l o c k of time clicks She went peacefully, and I held her until the Vet came back for her. I let her go. I was devastated, my heart shattered, bereft and stripped in my soul. It was a, slow long walk home with an empty heart. A friend made me a colored pencil sketch of her and it is a wonderful drawing. She was a shy cat, so timid and so bashful and he depicted her demurely. A few cats since, then and I know another day like this will come and it will shatter me again. I keep her drawing on the wall of my bedroom and I look at it every single day. Perhaps, I should put it away, I let go of her body but she is still in my heart. this is the high price we pay for eternal love- and o u t s i d e birds weep _____________________ October 21, 2017 Haibun/In Memory of Patches Copyright Protected 2017, ID 17- 95-1336-0 All Rights Reserved. Written for the contest, Eight Word Challenge- 5 sponsor, John Hamilton Fourth Place