While I struggle to write that elusive poem about love, I thought I'd publish another previously written poem of mine, about a creature I loved as much as any other creature I have ever loved.
Eddie
you graced my ears with the finest of music
sounds filled that place I knew only music could touch.
I lifted you wrapped and limp from my bed
and purred with you
then,
my tears glistening in your still black fur,
I waited for your rest box
as you grew cold in my arms,
first the pads on your paws then your bone thin legs.
now
I hold you more tightly just to keep you warm
for a tiny bit longer,
listening while I go to that place I thought only music could take me
and with your last smidgeon of warmth cradled in my arms
I sway to the beat
I sometimes wonder why I have pets at all, or love anyone at all, because the loss of them is so terrible. Why do we not go into a dark place forever when someone or something that we love is lost?
For me, the answer is so that I can love again.
The image: I took a photo of a print I have that looks exactly like my Eddie, gone for a dozen or more years now, and I'm sitting here sobbing.
