by Joy Leftow
The days slowly turned chill and short
during Starlights last days on earth
permitting her a few last fresh breaths of air
while she struggled to stay close to me
and I to her, (I knew), for just a few more days
Each day the struggle to sustain and nourish
the bit of life left her became harder than the last
while I snuggled her small bones cozy at my side
The day she died, Starlight walked me gently to the
door, then placed herself in a bit of sunlight on
the floor, prepared to wait for my return
I said goodbye that Friday unaware it was the last time
Late that afternoon I found her small frail body
lying still in the room where she knew I worked.
Shed came searching for her beloved to say
a final farewell before she passed from this world
on November first, 2002, All Saints Day.
Yesterday made the two month anniversary.
I planted an evergreen tree on her grave beneath
a purple star on gold stone, which marks the place
where my little darlings body lay forever and
now, only my steady love for Starlight remains.