Sometimes, absent-mindedly,
he would call this black boy cat
by his eldest son’s name, then
shake his head and correct himself.
I think that was even before
his mind began slipping —
though who knows when
such gradual slides begin?
And the animal would snuggle up,
or lie at his feet for hours
when he worked at his office desk —
‘Just us blokes together.’
I am giving him extra cuddles now,
the cat. I wonder how long before
he realises that this absence
will not come to an end?
He and his sister have learned:
beloved humans go away and come back
after days or weeks or even months.
Some reappear after years.
I wonder how long it will take
this time, to understand? Meanwhile,
unless I mention them first,
the man never speaks of the cats.
A very moving poem, Rosemary. I dare not comment too much, but to say it could pierce a snowman's heart.
ReplyDeleteOh Rosemary, how poignant. So sorry!
ReplyDeletegreat insight here. you build a lot of character here, in a relatively short poem, and cover a lot of humanity. a sad poem indeed, but well written... well focused.
ReplyDeleteThese lines moved me to tears. You have captured both the pain and resignation of old age.
ReplyDeleteA very poignant but sad and realistic part of many people's lives. Nicely written. Commenting from Poet's United.
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