PETER

Before I saw your face or touched your fur
I heard your cries for help, longing for love
So loud your anguish I knew where to go
So deep your despair you didn’t know me

For a home of your own, all hope was gone
Tossed out by family to fend for yourself
Frightened, alone on the streets you were found
Age guessed at, circumstances unknown

Just a big friendly orange cat, sadly un-kept
They said you were two or three, maybe four
Fifteen short years we have been together
If I am lucky we’ll have a few more

Age is showing, spring gone from your step
Still there are moments when you jump and play
At night, asleep your paw clings to my hand
Your eyes filled with love when you gaze at me

We lost our Sheba and Billy’s gone too
Smudge and Poofie passed through that final door
Momma Pat is long gone and waits for you
I’ve begged, pleaded for a little more time

Now you warn me your time is coming
I am not ready I never will be
If I’m lucky we’ll have many more years
Before you pass, beyond this life we have shared

Little Peter, you’ve taught me so much
The depth of the joy you daily give me
Will long be with me and not forgotten
Until that time comes our lives are as one.

Copyrighted © Marta Moran Bishop 2013

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