This little poem is based on a true story. When it was first critiqued by our poetry group, I started to read it out loud, but my friend Stella had to continue reading it for me. The loss of a family pet, in my view, is as traumatic as losing a family member.
Her other two cats who lived with us kept looking around for her for quite some time after the vet put her to sleep so she would not suffer anymore. She was such a dear little timid cat, gentle and sweet.
Hibou, my owl-like cat
Death came knocking early one morning
Unaware, we slept on sofa and bed
Through the vent, a gush of red-tinged water
Unhindered, spread through several rooms.
Hibou, my owl-like cat, companion dear
Licked her brown silky hair to groom herself
Ingesting ethylene glycol as she did
It's deadly sweetness seemed a treat to her
Three cats huddled high on sofa back
Trying to escape the rising red tide
I awoke that night, stepping into water
Ankle deep, uncertain where it came from
In appearance, Hibou appeared all right
Her head resting on her buddies bodies
Short haired male cats, unlike Hibou in build
Delicate, feminine, slight of body.
Late afternoon, her movements became feeble
Vet visit, news bad, needle prick, last pat
I miss Hibou, with her golden brown eyes
Faithful gentle creature, loving nature
I will never forget you, little Hibou
No cat can take your place, gentle one.
Copyright(c)2010WilmaSeville
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ReplyDeleteAllison wrote "I remember when this happened, they do become one of the family don't they, and we never forget them either,they touch us deeply."
Thank you Allison, I appreciate you remembering this very traumatic time. I will always miss Hibou, my little owl like cat. She was so gentle and she was the referee between the two male cats.
ReplyDeleteThank you Allison, I appreciate you remembering this very traumatic time. I will always miss Hibou, my little owl like cat. She was so gentle and she was the referee between the two male cats.
ReplyDelete