Unforgivable

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She pants in low moans,
Meandering through dense brush,
Shrouded by evening sky above a forest.

With damp and matted fur,
An amber-eyed predator sees no prey;
Her hunger grows.

While creatures huddle with their clans
In feathered nests and sheltered lairs,
She treks on frozen leaves, confused.

Longing for the comfort lost,
She doesn’t understand her plight;
Life had once been kind.

As dawn dismisses the sandman,
A cry I hear outside,
Weak sobs of desperation.

A child lost? A babe who strayed?
Anxiously I don my coat,
Fearing what I might find.

On this late December morn’
Listlessly she scratches and sobs,
Behind a glass door kissed by frost.

But when I turn the knob
And push the door open,
Her tragedy pinches my heart.

Dry blood encrusts her tender paws, 
Infection has sealed one eye shut.
Her ribs protrude and her ears are frostbitten.

With haste, I take her in my arms.
Cradling this wayward soul,
I reach for a blanket and a tin of salmon.

A faint purr is my thanks
For warmth and food and love.
Peering into her one good eye, I weep.

Overcome with pity and grief,
I realize the selfish act
That led this kitten to my yard.

Before joyfully heading home,
College youths on Christmas recess
Had left her on a nearby road.

I welcome their tiny “pet,”
Abandoned, nearly dead,
Victim of thoughtlessness.

Fear not; the one-eyed cat will live.
A refuge I’ll provide.
But do not ask me to forgive

The sin that made her mine.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 10/25/2018 7:58:00 AM
You have a kind heart, Carolyn...mine is a work in progress...
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Date: 10/18/2018 2:53:00 PM
My sincere belated congratulations on placing first in this contest, Carolyn. Very deserving for a truly lovely poem and the kindness with which you showered that poor helpless animal! One person's loss is another's gain! ~ Hugs // paul
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Date: 10/9/2018 12:04:00 AM
You are truly kind. The world would be a better place if more people understood the lesson of this story.
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Devonshire Avatar
Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/10/2018 12:12:00 PM
I still cry when I see those TV ads about abandoned and neglected animals. Sometimes I can't bear to watch them. thanks for reading, Duke
Date: 8/15/2018 12:01:00 AM
Awesome write - great story. I also saved an one eyed cat - so beautifully penned with happy ending.
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Date: 8/13/2018 3:18:00 PM
Congratulations on your #1 win. Heartbreaking but well-written poem. I could just see her when you opened the door. I'm glad she found you. :)]
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 8/14/2018 1:27:00 PM
And for two decades she remained a most beloved pet. She seemed to have no trouble forgetting her past and, before long, she ruled both my house and my heart.
Date: 8/12/2018 10:51:00 PM
Magnificent write,Carolyn, congratulations on you great win! Hugs Eve
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 8/14/2018 1:29:00 PM
Thank you, Eve.
Date: 8/12/2018 6:15:00 PM
Congrats on your winning work. Way to go. Sara
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Date: 8/12/2018 3:39:00 PM
Congrats for your well-deserved win for this masterfully penned poem, Carolyn! I have a dear old cat named Jeff who is such a wonderful companion especially at this time. He follows me around like a puppy and is lying on the desk as I type this - Bob
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 8/13/2018 12:27:00 PM
I'm so glad Jeff is with you. Cats are very loyal and affectionate. You are such a dear man and I pray for you. Love, Carolyn
Date: 8/12/2018 2:42:00 PM
Many many congrats Carolyn:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 8/12/2018 12:05:00 PM
This brought tears to my eyes Carolyn. It is written so beautifully and poignantly. Congratulations on your very deserving First Placement my friend. So glad you saved her! : ) xxoo
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 8/13/2018 12:28:00 PM
Thank you, my friend. I worked with the local humane society on a campaign to stop the abandonment of animals. This experience changed the way I look at pet ownership. Responsibilities are not always met.
Date: 8/12/2018 9:48:00 AM
Congrats on your top win, Carolyn. Well done.
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Date: 8/12/2018 5:53:00 AM
Your love and love of cats, sympathetic creatures that they are, is now on fine display. Congrats on your win . Namaste.
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Date: 8/12/2018 4:25:00 AM
Excellent poem with a great ending, congratulations on your first place win!
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Date: 8/11/2018 12:10:00 PM
Such are the wonders of life....Nice write...All the best Carolyn
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Date: 8/11/2018 10:23:00 AM
It saddens that anything be abandoned...thank God it found you :)
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Date: 8/11/2018 10:11:00 AM
aww what a fabulous ending to the story Carolyn... is it a true story it is so vivid in description:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 8/11/2018 9:55:00 AM
sweetness
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Date: 8/11/2018 9:23:00 AM
Creative way to go. Reads like a good contender for the contest. Sara
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