Cats and Connections

the creatures that loved me when i couldn't

Ari

I walk the sterile hall of the animal shelter, eyeing each of the cats.
I see you laying down in the corner of your room,
larger than the rest of them.

Your file reads:
Ari
Surrendered from previous owners.

I enter your room,
you say hello.
You mutter a few more words to me,
words that I will never fully understand.

You walk over as I sit on the floor,
looking at me with an unknown intent.
You rub your body against my leg
and look at me with those beady eyes.

Your gray fur is far from neat,
your claws sharp and wild,
yet you sit on my lap with
instinctual tenderness.

As we sit and talk,
I forget for just a few moments,
that you’re here all alone.

I forget that I am too.
We sit in silence, then.
Alone together.

Poncho

I read your file
“Poncho
Surrendered by owners
Age 14
Take it slow”

I enter your room.
You greet me wordlessly.
You’re white and frail,
beady black eyes that shine
with the wisdom of a long life.

You sniff my hand,
step onto my lap,
curl up and nap.

How long have you been here?
You don’t tell me.
I regret I asked.

Yet I can’t help but wonder.
When will you go home?