Notes About The Poem

My 17 year old cat finally came to his end; I can't say I don't miss him, foolish as it is.

Postmortem Observations On a Very Old Cat

You wore your neuroses
Like badges of Honor:
A Non-Apology creature,
- Like certain Candidates I know -
Never a trip to the Vet's;
I valued the flesh of my arms too much -
Never outside;
Except to eat grass
Throw up inside,
Despite it all,
A life stubbornly lived
Into profound old age; 
Most spent asleep.
- This is your legacy; of which I'm sure you were perversely proud.

Thus, one day
After 17 years of pure existence
You passed on while climbing the stairs.

Maybe one day I'll follow,
Slipping away between
My lower and upper worlds;
Halted midway between Past and Present.

Maybe we'll meet one day in the middle,
Old friend;
Never think no one grieves for Thee.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Allison Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 5:05 PM
What a lovely tribute to your beloved pet:-) hugs Jan xx
Merryman Avatar
September 16, 2016 at 6:08 PM
William, this is a sweet tribute to your feline friend. 17 years is a long time for a cat. He sounds like my cat, so independent and neurotic, too. He was only 13 when he passed a month ago. I sure miss him. I enjoyed your poem, and I'm sorry for your loss. Blessings!
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