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Open Poetry #36
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Death Of Porky (My sons cat)
| Open Poetry #36 |
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Death Of Porky (My sons cat) |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
What fills this life, a boys, at sixteen But thoughts of girls and other soft things; Learning turmoil, rejection-pain Of love and losing, losing-gaining, A child with beard stubble trace, With many long bridges to cross The kind that reach from bank to bank Held by thin vines that span (With rotten boards in places) The chasm of human life, the kind That leads from childhood to maturity In emotional wind, the bridge now shakes... News was, her kidneys were failing: "Five days too death at most" (Spoke the Vet) prophesy words Including "excruciation" stating Time left in life's gap, will fill with much pain, Making short days left, a foul eternity... The needle deals a coup de gras, The choice is this- or days of pang. Broken down mechanics of the flesh, Cries out loud for blows of grace As no new part replaced, Can make again, it sound. The joy of well does not exist, Though the feline lays awake-alive, And sets the mortal wound aside- She purrs and rubs against a youthful hand.. Time has come, the boy must make A mans decision, he nods a yes To draw the sword of human mercy. The old head lowers slowly to his lap, Peace closes eyes- a last whisker-twitch And then a rain of tears, soaking fur; The man-boy holds not one emotion back... Now he must plan the ritual of death, For this, that helped him span with love His lifetime, since he smiled at six, From then 'till time of this....when he Carry's the box, Slowly from the house Walking with somber steps, To where steel has cut clay, By him, his father, and brother.. Lays the vessel down- In summer-dry earth... Following unwritten rules of mourning- Lingers, Then turns away, still in sorrow; Though in his thoughts, The thought of planting (On the morrow) Flowers on the grave. Dedicated to my son Travis, and his cat, Porky Who lived with us during the time that Travis grew from a child into young man.. [This message has been edited by ice (08-19-2005 04:13 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2005 ford hume - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
ice Good write, you know my cat died of the same thing, my condolence. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
oh Ford, how heart breaking this is I'm a cat lover myself, and I grew up with the heartaches of losing cats through my childhood. Now (because my roommate doesn't want cats because of the fish pond) I only have a stray cat out at my work, who has grown very fond of me now. If I lost him, I would be so upset. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I knew I shouldn't have read this at work. It is indeed a process of pain...and somehow, at times, losses such as this, bring such a tender sweetness to life and love. How proud I am of your son, and his ability to let loose the emotion of his love and his loss. Hugs to all of you... "There's a reason they call God The Creator - he sides with talent." Julia Cameron |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
this to me, is one of the hardest parts of life to face...I commend you and yours Ford...not to mention, this poem was a grand attribute to all of you...there is a common ground we walk in times of such, and no words can make it easier, other then to remember our dear friends with love...and so, please know, that my thoughts are with you and yours...and thank you for sharing this part of your life with us hun...wishing you happier days ahead. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
The choice is this- or days of pang. having had to do this myself less than a month ago...I understand and can feel the compassion for both pet and owner... well written M |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Loving a pet for so long, then having to say goodbye...but both the child and the man in Travis gave Porky a loving and caring farewell. Death is always one of life's toughest moments to endure, even more so at this tender age. RIP, Porky  |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Dear Ford Your poem touched me to the core. I am an animal lover...and have called many cats, friend. Sometimes in my troubles of childhood, I felt my cat was my only friend. Becoming a man is not easy...but you have shown the transformation of your son in this poem, with such tender compassion that my heart breaks again. You have a lovely heart, Ford.  |
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froggy Senior Member
since 2003-06-23
Posts 1893Michigan |
Ford, I know this pain all to well.As you know I just had our shepherd put down not to long ago. <^^> Today the pond....Tomorrow the world |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
heartbreaker thoughts are with you all |
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Cloud 9 Senior Member
since 2004-11-05
Posts 980Ca |
This brought tears to my eyes. He handled it the best that he could. Big hugs go out to Travis and family. |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Poet Friends Thank you for the replies, they are warmly received by Travis and I...I am very proud of him and the way he handled his grief...He showed bravey in the face of a difficult situation...and yet, showed just the right amount of emotion IMHO... Again, Thanks for reading and the replies.. -----------ice ><> |
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inkedgoddess Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392Ohio |
they are blessed to have found eachoter. |
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