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Open Poetry #28
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He has layed down his head to rest - my cat died
| Open Poetry #28 |
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He has layed down his head to rest - my cat died |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands 
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 He was a tiny little cat, who's mom had died somewhere I took him home from that old barn, in order to take care I pinched the maggots from his body, cleaned the holes real deep Less than ten days old he was and all day long he'd sleep He was smaller than my hand, couldn't suck his milk at all I pushed the milk in, drop by drop, alarm stood on night call Slowly he was gaining weight, step by step he grew real strong Grew into a real companion, nothing ever did go wrong He was my cat, my special cat, he knew it from the start He always could rely upon, my warm and loving heart When I worked my computer or was watching the tv He slept on my shoulder, purring into my ear you see He got sick at age of ten, kidneys didn't work that well Special food he ate and all, didn't help, that I could tell Took him to the vet last week, thought this was the final end Just give him a shot I said, cause his illness can't be mend It's too early, I was told and they gave him an infuse While he's not in pain at all, there isn't really much to loose I took him home and he walked out the door into the green And that, alas, was the very last of this cat I have seen I think he searched and found a place and that is where he stays He has layed down his head to rest, but I don't know the place And that is what is eating me, the guessing where he might be I hope I'll find him some late day to tell him he's been missed by me Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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| © Copyright 2003 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Sweetie, where are the hankies? Doggone it - I've loved and have missed so many animals in my lifetime that I couldn't help but tear up over this...you gave that cat his nine lives plus one, m'dear...and that was more than he had going for him when you first brought him in. A decade of purrs.... Hugs, you.... |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Oh Titia, this is heartwrenching. But after all he could be still alive! Ask him to tell you where you can find him, let the intuition guide you. And be sure, if he crossed the border, he KNOWS that you love him and your connection will always be deep. Hugs. Margherita |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
RIP, dear special cat. So sorry for your loss, Titia. Hope you do find his final spot. |
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SimplyGold Senior Member
since 2002-07-10
Posts 1453 |
Tina, I'm sorry for your loss, this is truly sad. I have also lost several of my great buddies, it is a gift for us to share their lives. Perhaps you will find his resting place, if not make one for him and spend a moment to give thanks for his companionship. SG |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
Dear Titia...I've held so many as they took their final breath, while some have gone on away from my sight. He made a perfect storybook picture there on that bench, among your flowers. I'm sure his resting place is much the same. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Titia, This is so sad. Sorry love for your loss. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
SweetDarlingFriend~ This tears me for you~ Know that I'm thinking of you at this moment~ I love you ... and I'm so sorry~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Thanks friends for your loving support. I've had many animals and many of them died and some of them were very special to me. The irony in this case is that I went to the vet to give him the death shot, they refused and almost the same day he disappeared and never came back. He surely was at his end and I don't like an animal to be in pain or something, not for my sake anyway, but I wanted the vet's opinion. I regret not having them around anymore, but I don't mind when an animal dies, that's part of life. However, not knowing where he has gone, makes me sad and I just hope he wasn't really in pain or something. Vets don't know anything ya know. And this one was special to me, because I was able to save him. There were two when we found them, his little sister already had died. So that's the end of 'Little Tomcat' as we used to call him. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Awwww Titia, this is so sad. I am so sorry about your cat. My "Miss Molly" just had some kittens, yesterday. And, two of them look just like yours. Again, I say, I am so sorry about your cat. |
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Wind
since 2002-10-12
Posts 2981 |
oh Titia honey, I am so sorry about your cat. when I was two, my dog died of cancer, so my mom bought me two cats. This reminds me of the story my mom tells me. hugs, I hope you will feel better soon. A wonderful tribute  insanity is not a crime |
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SharaRose Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2501Somewhere out there~ |
 Please let us know if you find him? Please? Heart-breaking story. I hope you let us know.. Titia, I have not forgotten about your mothers b-day. Would you tell me again what is the date. I know it's this month. Also am I supposed to submit at "open forum"? SharaRose @-->-- Of sound, and speech let all lift the hearer! |
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Riley
since 2002-07-18
Posts 1038in the pouring rain |
wow, there is a tear down my cheek, great heartfelt write riley * the pouring rain kisses my lips with innocence as you look into my eyes * |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Titia...That is the way of cats...it is how they want to go...not by a needle, but just to walk away, you know? I know the pain of losing companions such as this. May you find peace in the knowledge that your cat has also.  |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I'm sorry to hear this, Titia...any cat of yours would be special. It works that way, though, sometimes. The dog of my childhood I found when I was 5. He went with me through grade school, high school and, when I came back from the service 5 years later, he was still there, waiting for me. He never left my side in all those years. One day he walked away into the woods and I never saw him again. I have no doubt he knew his time had come and he wanted to pass away alone....I still miss him. |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
Anyone who has lost a beloved pet feels your pain. Your poem is a wonderful tribute. Don't be shocked if you look into the eyes of another cat someday and see this one looking back at you. Animal souls are linked differently than human souls. Your poem reminded me of a stray that my young kids tricked me into adopting. She looked like a tiny kitten, a few weeks old, when she showed up in the yard. She was feral and no one could get near her for a long while, but between the catnip that grows all over the yard and the little bits of food the kids left for her, eventually she would come close. Later, in Winter, we managed to "capture" her and take her to the vet to be checked out. They said she was about three years old, had lost most of her teeth from illness, and had about a dozen serious battle scars all over her body. They gave her a rabies shot and some other stuff, but they found she had feline HIV when we took her to the vet's and he wanted to put her down; I said no. We would just keep her inside where she wouldn't infect any other cats. It turned into quite an argument at the vet's, but I handle arguments well. They told me she was temporarily in remission and would die suddenly. My kids named her "Lucky" not because she had been living a lucky life, but because she had finally found a safe haven. I read all the research I could find and we kept her alive for two more years. She never was completely tame, feral cats are like that, but she seemed to prefer being inside where she was safe. She would be sitting on someone's lap and be purring then suddenly rip them with her claws and scream and hide. The vet called it "sleep terror" like she was afraid to relax too much. It was something I understood in her. Well, anyway, one warm Spring day (the only day I had off from work in months) the two of us were sitting outside. She liked doing that and never tried to run off. She was stretched out in the sun on the warm stones, her belly full of good salmon; I was sitting close by, but in the shade. She was looking at me with what I would swear was a smile, and she looked as happy and healthy as I had ever seen her. I remember thinking that she had something on her mind. I turned to pick up a book I was reading and when I turned back she was gone. We never saw her again. My children, of course,were heart broken and looked for her for many weeks, but I knew she was really gone. She had chosen when to die; there is no other way to say it. We cleaned up all the toys and litterbox with bleach (the vet said to do that and wait at least a month before getting another cat). There weren't many toys, she really had only liked one strange little rubber chase toy. So, later that summer, my kids conned their mother into getting two kittens from a rescue shelter. They are still with us; two beautiful healthy black "familiar" cats. The point of all this is that one night when I was not sleeping, the female of the pair (then about half grown) found this old rubber chase toy that was Lucky's. She jumped up in my lap with it and dropped it there. Then she went down on the floor and stretched out in exactly the same position Lucky had been in the last time I saw her. I would swear she had that same cat smile on her face when she did that. |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Titia, So sorry to hear about Little Tomcat. [sniff] I hope you find his place someday. [sniff] I think cats prefer it that way, though. I lost one of mine recently and wish I could have been there at the end. Sad to lose such constant friends . . . I miss him. e |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Oh Titia, I am so sorry for your loss of your Little Tomcat. I know how it is to lose a beloved pet. This story really touched my heart, Titia.  Hugs to you  Ethel |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I'm glad I came back to give you another heart hug Titia, and got to read Icebox's reply. I love the stories people tell about their animals, for they show the true heart and soul of the person better than any other kind of writing. Love your heartsongs, Titia, and Duncan and icebox? your replies prove your hearts beat loud and clear with love and kindness. |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
I am so sorry for you loss.... I lost my dog 3 months ago and still can not talk about it.. I can see by the picture that your kitty had some serious personality...got to love cats for that alone. hugs and kisses, Susan C. |
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skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
aww I'm sorry to hear about your kitty  --I love cats and I can see he was a beautiful one, and a good friend as well.  ~Elizabeth Dreams last for so long, even after you're gone... |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Thanks for sharing this soft place in your heart...James |
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Bonnie j Senior Member
since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588Ohio |
When my kitty cat died. One week later my son came home with a little bundle of fur hidden in his jacket.All you could see was two big bright eyes peeking out. She now has the name Bright Eyes. When I named her I told my son her name and he said that's the name he was thinking of cause her eyes are so bright and curious. I do enjoy your writings, they are so down to earth. Sad poem but a good job. Bon-Bon  |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Titia...I'm so sorry I missed this when you first posted it. I just needed to let you know how deeply this touched me. In the past 2 years, I have lost 3 animals that were very special to me. This poem and the responses brought back lots of memories. I do miss my 'babies'. Big hugs to you, my friend. Thank you for sharing Little Tomcat with us. "My friends are my estate." ~Emily Dickinson [This message has been edited by vlraynes (08-26-2003 04:21 AM).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This touches me so deeply and reminds me of all the wonderful companions I've had... that said their goodbyes in their own way and walked away. But they sometimes come back... Last summer, I searched desperately over my Dad's farm, looking for Boy Cat... like your Little Tomcat, a rescue who'd grown to claim my heart. *S* He'd disappeared after having been bitten by a rattlesnake... and I was convinced I was looking for a body. But two weeks later, a skeleton cat appeared... he'd somehow survived and had come back home... literally skin and bones but alive. I spent a lot of this past weekend holding my little miracle... petting him and being grateful for every moment. I'm so sorry about your friend... big hugs to you! |
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Rosebud1229 Senior Member
since 2000-04-05
Posts 1813North Carolina |
I understand exactly, My cat just had to be put to sleep, and it broke my heart, she was born with lieukemia, but she did live until she was four. I was blessed by her presence. Just remember the good times and the time she did get to share with you, take care. |
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BloomingRose Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092Florida |
So sorry... he was very beautiful. I have a cat so I can relate. Deb |
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timothysangel1973
since 2001-12-03
Posts 1725Never close enough |
Aww, how sad. Sorry you lost your friend. But hey, I got some kittens you can have...my cat Ezmerelda is the "hoochie" of the neighborhood, and she has atleast one litter a year. We have given every child in our family a kitten. I agreed for one more litter, then I am having her fixed! Hope your heart heals soon Titia... )))hugs((( Tima |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Titia: I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through and really can understand. We had to have our dog put to sleep yesterday, after 14 years of wonderful companionship and it hurts so much! We brought him home and buried him on our place, so at least I can plant flowers and know where he is. so much worse for you, not knowing. My heart goes out to you and loving thoughts. Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Sorry to hear of your loss gal...I know how pets can become family...they ARE family.... |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Thanks friends for your support. He hasn't come back, but I already knew he must be dead, due to the condition he was in. Maybe coming Winter, I will find him somewhere. I do have the sweetest memories of him. He played his whole life, but never used his nails. Well, that's life, I've burried a lot of animals in my time, all special and precious in their own way. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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RomanticPoet Junior Member
since 2003-08-25
Posts 34Florida USA |
So sorry to hear of the loss Tita, Icebox, and all the others who have lost special friends lately; I have lost 2 young tomcats (littermates) and 1 dog this year on the street in front of my house; I almost lost another dog about 2 weeks ago when she got loose and ran across to get hit, she survived and has a cut on one leg and a broken paw on the other. She will be slow for awhile but mending quickly. I am a member of a poetry forum in Communityzero.com; the moderator lost his big shepherd about 2 weeks ago, I wrote him a poem called "Goodbye; My Faithful Friend" it is currently posted here in this forum; read it please, it is very touching...... We Feel,We Write,We learn; We Write More |
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gemjop Member Elite
since 2002-11-18
Posts 2587Pencilveinia, USA |
I remember reading this, but i never replied. I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss my kitty, poppy, i know how you feel. though she does visit my dreams often  love n hugs to you titia. xx |
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D'sWhisper Member
since 2003-06-16
Posts 68Washington, USA |
I'm sorry for you loss. Not everyone recognizes the deep feelings of greif that one has for an animal companion when they are passed...but your feelings are just as real and just as justified as greif over any other loss of a relationship do to death. You told the story well. And you brought tears to my eyes because I can relate so well. 2 times I've had a cat that has meant very much to me...and both times they have just dissapeared. Wish you well. ~Whisper~ |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
He looks just like our "Tigger" - who lived to be fifteen kitty years old... We still miss him too... Nice poem, Titia...  |
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angelblueyes Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2148Oklahoma |
Titia, I'm sorry about your loss.I'm sure he knows in his heart you saved him and gave him a renewed life.Healing hugs to you my friend Crystal |
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