Whenever my varying bedtime
happens, every night, she's there
suddenly, from outside.
She leaps lightly, lands
at the foot of the bed
and marches up to the top
to lie close and purr.
She is adjusting now
to the absence of the man
who used to be here too;
makes do with me.
In fact, insists on more cuddles,
more fervent — as we both need.
Poetic Asides April Poem A Day Challenge 2013, 14: a sonnet.
(This is a free verse sonnet — no set rhyme or metre — which, in other respects, follows the Shakespearian model. Well, except for the verse breaks.)
So very good. I tell you, Rosemary. Your poems connected to his death should be collected and published for others in similar circumstances. You would produce a powerful book with a clear voice and emotions/reactions to which many would relate.
ReplyDeleteThak you, Kim. I am tagging them with something like that in mind — but I think it will be a while before I finish writing them!
DeleteI have to echo Kim's comment. This has a clarity and honesty that is really moving.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your opinion too; many thanks.
DeleteNot only do you have a book of these heartfelt reactions of a death, the death, but your cats poems also deserve a new collection! Just gorgeous, from both perspectives.
ReplyDeleteThank you; that's a nice idea.
DeleteNice! The ending has just the right impact, on the nose, but not too. Perfect. You're expressing and honoring these subtle experiences with such care, but not making them so precious that a reader who hasn't yet "been there," living in the tension of this kind of grief, would feel separate from. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAnd for your tender heart, a gentle hug.
some cat individuals are intuitive and look after their needs that way.
DeleteAnd our needs, Pearl! :)
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