Spirit in the Water

To witness a loved one suffering

unable to handle the struggle no more;

knowing you have to let her go

after seeing her collapse on the floor.

“Oh Jesus”, you say over and over

as you lay your head on your knee

Her pain, your pain; unbearable

you have to set her free.

Now when I walk the passage of home

her spirit follows me to the end

I close my eyes to the sight,

to shut out the memory of a friend.

At times it’s much too painful

but sometimes I welcome the memory

Cuddles, my cat of sixteen years

my home was her sanctuary.

A stray, was she, just one year old

roving the streets hungry and alone

I embraced her, loved and fed her

before, she was just skin and bone.

Her ghost wanders the floor of my house

in my bed she lays by my side

When darkness fills my surroundings

even then, I still can’t hide.

I see her spirit in the water

a puddle, a pond, even the sea

My fingers create ripples of reflections

there she is – right there with me.

Outside once more into the light

reflecting on the images in the puddles

I want to see her, `don’t want to see her`?

I just miss her, my beautiful Cuddles.