Shanay in Sunshine

We are grieving the death
of our little cat Shanay.

It seems as if
the sun won’t shine
without her invoking its presence
as she gazes at the sky
from the chair by the glass door.
How she luxuriated in its warmth
when the sunshine obliged her:
praise and gratitude personified!

How can I read
with the same delight
propped up on the couch
without the tread of small paws
over my shoulder
and a warm light weight
settling on my chest
waving a tail in my face
and turning to rub her nose on mine,
her small body generous with purring
as if her whole being vibrated with love?

She came to us already ageing
and gave us three years
of her gentle affectionate presence.
Thank you, loving God, for Shanay.
May she rest in your warmth and light. Amen.