I wrote this poem for Patricia, my beautiful gentle kitty of 18 years. In her last year of life she was very ill, and I know if Patricia could talk she would have said these words to me, trusting and thanking me for trying to help her and keep her with me. She was sweet and childlike, and loved children. I know she is happy and young again, playing and cuddling with children who have also passed on.

Thank you for the care you gave,
my fragile life you tried to save.
Now I run and play on soft green lawn
with barefoot children who have also gone.
So many here to welcome me!
I'm young and strong, my spirit free!
It was my time, I had to go,
Just remember that I loved you so.