My hands feel sweaty
As I gently lift you off my lap
Your gray tail curves against my arm
And I feel as though you're holding on
Not because you're afraid to fall
But because you're afraid to keep holding on

Fragile bones of starvation can be felt
Amongst the ungroomed, greasy hair
You hide away in my arms as I move on
Closer and closer toward the door
With the bell that lightly chimes
“Appointment with death”

Sounds of youthful chirps and barks
Surround us as I hold you closer
Remember when you were that small?
So playful and curious with the world
Always getting into trouble
But were always forgiven

The time when you escaped
Through a broken screen
Or when you would sneak a drink
From my glass on the floor
The countless missing hair ties
I gave up looking for

Yet you managed to win me over
With your crisp, lime-green eyes
Your feminine dainty paws
That small heart-shaped nose
Whiskers as white as snow
And, of course, your signature meow

I will miss your calming, loud purr
Seeing your shark-fin tail as I lay in bed
Hearing you scamper up the stairs
Petting your silky fur, rubbing your alert ears
And even finding the present of
A mouse at my feet

A woman calls out your name
And you look up with recognition
I pretend not to notice that these moments
Are our last together
As I kiss the top of your head
I whisper my good-byes under my breath
And walk toward the guiding light