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So precise and unflinchingly present. I enjoyed this one Ken. Thanks. -Peter On 8/29/06, Ken Wolman <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > > FADING > > She has become an image fading toward History > writing itself for us. We need to do nothing, can do nothing, > except be present in our own lives, in the lives > of those who love us, > and let it happen. > > So she's quit eating except enough, perhaps, > to stay alive. Mostly now she is > content to lay still, to rest beside me, > or find a quiet place on the floor > by the cable modem, where it's warm; > and, if cats can dream, to dream > of what but of this warmth perpetual? > > September 9th, if she gets there, > she'll have been with me nine years, > progressed from adult to geriatrix. > She got me through divorce, later > the death of her friend we both grieved, > and even as she comforted me, > her constant reminder: "I am still here, > care for me," and so I did, > and so I do now, > > for she's made the final turn and limps > shakily forward toward a finish line > she has no choice but to cross, > and I cannot catch her when she breaks the tape, > for at her moment of victory she will have gone beyond my sight. > > KTW/8-29-06 >