Saturday Special: One Year Ago
One year ago today, the Autumnal Equinox, my beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat, Buda, died. It was so sudden and devastating, I wrote several poems and haikus to relieve the pain. This is one of those poems. More recently, Sharron Bassano of Leaves inspired me to write 50-word stories. It was a blast! One of them follows this poem.
How Long Will It Take Until …
I can make my bed without remembering The game Buda would play as he lay Across the spread. I tugged the sheets Weighted by his girth or flipped The blankets over his head. Still He lay there unperturbed Teasing me with his serenity. How long will it take until I can move about the kitchen Preparing meals without him Weaving between my feet I shoved him gently aside But he returned to ensure I stayed on task, a raspy yowl Demanding his evening meal. How long will it take until I can shower without his vigil The bathmat a cozy nest for naps I step around his prodigious Size on corners and gaps To avoid a twitching tail or paw He glowers, am I done yet So he can settle for his rest. How long will it take until The gigantic hole in the air Fills with daily errands And other essential cares That obscure the strands Of pleasant little joys, The regal presence of Buda Who softened all our woes And rescued me from nightmares. How long will it take until I will forget his face pressing my brow His purrs vibrating as he pressed Against my ribs, breathing slow His muscled girth soaking my fear Sharing his aging pains with mine Or laying on my chest with kneading Claws at my throat, big paws folded Inside my hands without complaint. How long will it take until I can venture into the night garden Without my Familiar rubbing At my shin, guarding my passage Among the flowers and trees, I look up at the Universe Learning once again how small My nightmares are in the grand Opera of interstellar life. Buda no longer follows me The Universe has changed.
A Strange Meeting
Something about the tall, muscular Black man in the elevator seemed familiar. It was creepy how he reminded her of … no it couldn't be. The same feline smile. The same imperious stare that often gave her comfort. "Buda?" she whispered, hoping he wouldn't be insulted. Instead, the man grinned.
If you enjoyed this post feel free to explore other poems, essays, and stories in the Ring Around the Basin Archive. I also love to read your comments, so please share your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation. And if you wish to support my writings, please consider subscribing or upgrading to a paid subscription. It’s now only $50/year.
Ghost in the Forest, available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.
Book Review:
"Ghost in The Forest" is a great read! Take note People. If you love stories about environmentalism and nature, its clash with urban mindsets, as well as personal transformation, this is the book for you!
Such a beautiful poem, and I love the story, too. Hugs. xxx
A beautiful eulogy for an unforgettable friend. "...Learning once again how small My nightmares are in the grand Opera of interstellar life. Buda no longer follows me now. The Universe has claimed him." I feel your loss in these words. ( PS Our Raymond is a Weegie, too. So comical and playful. A total clown.)