Boots Copyright © 2009 Rob Lock

My wife's cat died last week and she's upset,
reminders everywhere, and I would like
to think that she will feel the same, not too much
more, when my turn comes; that for my sake
she'll shed some tears, and then get on with life
again. She took Boots in before we met: a cat
afraid of men. Her stroking, her safe house
gave him what he had been wanting, needing.
Years later she responded to a plea -
finely dressed up as an offer – and did the same
for me. Our debts of squandered years
were cancelled and we banked upon each other.
I wish her peace: some loneliness, then days
of company and joy. There will be other strays.