SOME THINGS STAY

My youngest cat 

is learning

that some things go away

and they don't come back.

Like our dear family dog

our superstar,

the family clown,

rallier of lonely hearts

standing proud and strong

he made a wonderful

cat refuge, too.

She curls in my lap,

my bed,

calls from the floor

as if all the loss of late

has made her clingy.

She tries to hold 

onto me,

climb into me

so that I will not

vanish, too.    

"I know, I know,"  I purr.

I learned long ago

Somethings go away

but then,

some things stay.

Author's Note

I just lost my precious companion, my dog of 12 1/2 years last week. He was like my guardian angel and very closed mouth confidant. This is a simple thought that I just felt the need to express. I have not had the heart to write up the more extensive things I wrote during his last hours. Please let me know what you think. I know it is not a major work, but I hope it has merit.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

I lost my tabby, Elliott, last month, who would have been 18 this May. I held him upon my lap, as the vet proceeded to put him to sleep.

The emotion you've shown within the brevity of these lines is staggering, for it sheds light into our pets grief for one another, as well as our own for them.

Dear Claire, be very proud of this, for it is something beautiful that will always "stay"...always!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

What a lovely review! It means so much when we write something that is painful and it communicates to another person. I appreciate your time taken to read it and your thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about your cat's passing. They become a part of us...so painful to lose them.

[Érenn]

You know I am reviewing a piece which is almost 4 years old so to speak. But the fact is for me it just took me back 7 years ago when I lost my dog who was 13 years himself. So with that said, in my eyes this would carry lot of merit and meaning. Also other than that the breaking of verses is quite unique in this one so that in itself is different. Also I like how you ended the last stanza with lesser lines which not only increased the impact of the last verse but it gave such punch to the gut for me. You have one or two alliterations in the mix along with occasional rhymes. What drives the poem is definitely the raw and honest emotions you have poured into this write. Thank you for sharing ^^

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

It was very difficult. We love them so...
I really appreciate your review...it means a lot.

[Craig]

It is a wonderful piece of work! I think the handling of loss transcends well for anyone whose loved one has passed. Great work and I am sorry for your loss.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I appreciate the time you have taken to read through my poems! He has been gone 4 years and I still miss him. Thank you for appreciating this...it was difficult to write.

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a beautiful tribute. Merit? Absolutely, in both its content and form.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you so much. He was my guardian...I still am not over his loss. I truly appreciate the time you have given to read my work and leave you comments. I means so much.

[Lyn Anderson]

I have some poems for pets in here somewhere. I get a dog being a guardian. My shepherd is mine.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Love Sheperds! Mine was a Shar-pei.

[Pax]

"I learned long ago Somethings go away but then, some things stay"
~ a great treasure of wisdom for me...
This is very much heartfelt Ms. Claire my friend... I'm sure his memories will remain in your heart... he will always be remembered...

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you, Willyam. It has been a few months now and I am still not over the loss of him. You are very kind.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Shimmerbliss, Liked it and the tale of how animals can sense things too and have relationships.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Well said! Thank you so much for taking time to read this and leave your thoughts. :)

[Dr. Wood ?]

well you said it ALL here...tears and smiles all neatly rolled up into one touching package

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you Doc. I always love your visits! :)

[FJ Davis]

I'd like to see your notion of a "major work."
"Some Things Stay" radiates compassion and strongly portrays loss; exhibiting deep insight through unique artistry--as well as excellent craft.
This is no "minor" offering.
My condolences, bliss, for what must surely be to you, a grievous loss.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I think you know how much I love your reviews and that you took the time to read my work. Thank you so much!

[...]

I absolutely adore my dog...my best friend; and I absolutely adored this poem :)

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Oh, lynn...thank you. They really become part of the family don't they? He was my guardian, friend, and therapist! I am glad you liked the poem.

[Mark]

It is very lovely and touching. Honest and heart felt, I was touched by it. I've lost many loved ones in my life; my Mom, my best friend, uncles, aunts, and yes loved pets. I don't think we ever really 'get over it' ... it just stops hurting after awhile and becomes part of who we are.

My thoughts are with you.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thanks you, Mark. It means a lot that it touched you.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

oops! I meant "thank you"! ;/

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Guess they forgot that "edit" comment feature, or I am missing it!

[Mark]

I see an 'edit review' icon... LOL

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I only see the edit review, but can't seem to edit any comments...am I missing something?

[Mark]

If you are, I'm missing it as well.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Note to webmaster LOL