He came to me as a battered feral cat, about 7 years old, at the end of March 2016. This poem records the first few weeks of our relationship.

'Blackie' 2016

Black fury hisses
clawing for life.
Yellow eyes glare
contempt and distrust.
Touch me not -
or die!
Patiently I wait,
at a respectful distance.
Hunger wins, and
a dark refuge.
Softly I answer wrath,
bearing the spiteful gaze.
Persevering I serve
the little defiant.
Curiosity draws
the dark shadow out,
nearer to me now,
day by day.
A gentle touch,
over and again:
purring.

and a little over six years later, in August 2022, the time came to say 'Goodbye':

'The Shadow' 2022

There’s a shadow in my heart,
in the corner of my eye;
there’s a shadow ever in my mind.

That shadow I see daily:
the one who padded in my steps,
who sat, never far away,
to keep company with me.

Soft black fur shining
russet in the sunshine that he loved;
so eloquent in look and attitude
to tell me what was wanted.

Golden eyes would soften
when his gaze turned to me;
Paws would fist and knead,
under my knowing hand.

Warm and faithful, without fail,
he would head-bump entry;
that furry lump beside me
within our nightly cave.

His paws had slowed,
his vision dimmed; and
I could see how he
was withdrawing day by day.

The black day came,
of fear and love despairing,
and then the knowing
he was gone.

There’s a shadow in my mind,
in the longing corner of my eye;
there’s a shadow always in my heart.

© David Rose, 2022