They herd even more now
(their nature)
coming wherever I am
to lie near.
They are mostly silent,
seldom purr.
It's ten weeks since he died;
thirteen
since they saw him here—
more than twice
that time I spent away,
which seemed long.
I think they start to know
for certain
that he will never come
back to us —
back here, back home ... slowly
I do think animals do KNOW things....and miss the familiar presence of those they loved and who loved them. Sad, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteWhen you consider they have been with us 14 years....
ReplyDeleteTo be at your side and mourn with you - yes I think they know and are there to take care of you.
ReplyDeleteWe take care of each other, and I know I need them as much as they need me. :)
DeleteSo sad.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Libby. They do grieve. They know so much and have a lot to teach us.This must be a difficult period for you. I wish you strength and I hope there are some nice moments no matter how fleeting in your days.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cressida. There are nice moments, often involving the cats. :)
DeleteReflected grief, just as painful even in companionship. I think of you.
ReplyDeleteI know you do, Aprille. :)
DeleteThe aching heart and grief pulsate in this piece, with new perspective and incredible clarity.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. It's a process!
DeleteThis is so moving, Rosemary. Yes, animals carry grief - their own and also ours. My elderly friend Faiza's husband died last February and her Doberman, a highly sensitive dog to begin with, is still grieving. She licks his chair, she looks at his photo, she needs to be near Faiza and she talks sadly in her throat. Poor girl.
ReplyDeleteI imagine she and Faiza comforting each other, as the cats and I do. (Levi remains hopeful that if he just looks in Andrew's office....)
DeleteSo very sad! You explore this part of life so well in the piece--
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm observing the process and recording it.
DeleteThis is so sad but animals have a deep instinct for these ~
ReplyDeleteIndeed they do.
DeleteRosemary, I feel your sorrow, and that of your animals, and I pray for ease in your heart, in your home in time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I appreciate that.
DeleteThis is so sad but beautiful as well. Your pets may well be grieving with you but they are also trying to comfort you.(The first stanze shows that) May you be comforted!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm so glad I've got them; don't know how I'd cope without them.
DeleteOur pets are so attuned to us, especially yours--14 years! I am glad you have them, though they are sorrowing with you, what a comfort to have them there to do so.
ReplyDeleteHaving to look after them gives me essential grounding, I think.
DeleteI think they would be picking up on your own feelings...
ReplyDeleteI expect you're right.
Deletei'm so sorry for your loss. i'm sure your cats are wanting to comfort you as much as they are grieving themselves.
ReplyDelete♥
Yes, I am finding that this is so. :)
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