Goodbye Bill - A Cat Poem

by Laura Baggio
(Chicago, IL )

I'll never forget the first time I saw you

So innocent and tiny, if only I knew

In those first few years you became a great friend
You made me so happy, I didn't want it to end

You made me forget that I was sad and alone
You made my empty house feel like home

Throughout every day you were right by my side
Except when I vacuumed you'd run and hide

I brushed you, petted you and bought all your favorite foods
You loved me and sat by me in my darkest moods

Sometimes I'd think you'd be around forever
Other times I'd realize that's not very clever

But I tried to forget this and enjoy each day
So I'd hold you and kiss you and then we'd play

Almost six years you were my sweet baby boy
You weren't just a cat to me, a pet or a toy

You taught me to appreciate the love that you gave
All the sweet gestures, those memories I'll save

Then there came a day when you were not quite yourself
You were sad and withdrawn and not in good health

So I made you a bed and laid by your side
I kissed you and loved you and even cried

It was terrible pain as the doctor said
I had to do something but my brain felt like lead

I couldn't stand thinking of a home without you
But there weren't many options, what could I do?

I held you and wept for you, even sang you a song
I hope you're not angry, I meant no wrong

You looked so peaceful, so still and asleep
But I couldn't feel happy, my love was too deep

I still think about you at least once a day
I don't think I'll stop come what may

I wrote this because even though we're apart
You're still my sweet muffin and you're always in my heart