Tribute to An Unknown Kitty
As many times as I've done this it seems like it would get easier, but I suppose it never will. Nevertheless, this is something I have to do anyway. I used to be like most everyone else, just drive on by and try not to think about it. But not anymore. You didn't deserve to die, but having lost your life anyway you don't need to suffer the humility of people staring at you. Or ignoring you. Or having your once lovely body further maimed. So now I stop, wrap you lovingly in a towel, and bring you home with me so you can be laid to rest with dignity. I do it because that's what you deserve.
I'll never know your name, or even if you had one. I don't know where you lived, or even if you had a place to call home. I wonder if there's someone, somewhere, that misses you and wonders where you are. The one thing I do know is the familiarity of being unable to hold back the tears as I get the shovel and start to prepare for you a quiet and restful place where you can lay in peace forever.
You're such a beautiful kitty. I wish I could have known you while you were still living. Now there are no words to describe the sadness and emptiness I feel as I think of your own unique beauty and grace that is now forever lost to this world. But I try to take comfort in knowing that you are now in a place free of pain and suffering, a place where you will never feel weary. You are now in a land where you will never have to endure a bitterly cold winter or wonder when you will eat again.
I would like to believe that although you never knew me in life you can sense my presence now and what I'm doing for you. Perhaps somehow you know that someone cares about you, maybe for the first time in your life. It's comforting to think that you are now at a place called Rainbow Bridge, and that you've met my Tiger, Kitty Lea, Mrs. Kitty, and Mittens, along with all the other beautiful but unknown kitties that are lying here next to you, sharing this peaceful corner of my yard.
Goodbye, pretty kitty. I love you. I'm so very sorry.
