I Was There by Barbara J. Rodrigues

I was there when it was just you and me in a small apartment.
I had six beautiful kittens there.
 
I was there when you married.
I was there when your first baby was born.
I was there when that baby started talking.
Her first word was my name.
 
I was there when you moved to a new city.
I was there when your next baby was born.
She loved me, too.
I was there when your little ones started school.
 
I was there for chicken pox.
I was there for piano practice.
I was there for birthdays.
I was there when those kids became teenagers.
 
I was there when you brought another cat into my home.
What were you thinking? 
 
I'm slower now, especially on stairs.
I'm stiffer when I walk.
I don’t like to be carried.
 
I'm 20 years old now.
You say I’m elegant and wise.
 
I am checked on and talked to throughout the day.
You bring my food and water dishes beside my basket.
 
My time is coming.
I feel your sadness.
I feel your love.
 
You were with me when I had my kittens.
You were with me when I passed away.
 
I was cremated.
I was placed in a little carved box with my name.
You talk about me and you will remember me always.
What an honour,
 
to be the first of many.

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About Barbara J. Rodrigues
​I am a retired mental health therapist who loves reading, writing, live theatre and travelling the world. Cats have always been a very important part of my life.