City Cats, Beach Cats, Lost Felines in our Midst

This poem describes the true good works of an unusually kind and feeling man who goes to wonderful lengths in his efforts to save forlorn cats abandoned, left behind; forgotten who live in the shadow of our lives....(Spoken as if in a feline first person)

I watch from my shelter of dune and rock

Hidden from view, my presence is blocked

I've known the touch of an unkind hand

From which I run through the hot, hard sand

How I came here and when is a faded memory

How I came here and why found in long ago reverie

A woman I once knew took me roughly by my fur

Pushed me into a cage, not hearing my purr

As I hoped she'd reach out with a comforting touch

But it never ever came...was I asking too much?

Sounds and sight whirred by; I felt as if flying

I heard no "goodbyes," there was no mournful crying

My cage was roughly jostled from the passenger side floor

My cage was thrown opened as I was pushed out the door

I stopped there, stunned, and looked back at my "friend"

She shooed me away, saying "This is the end...

I'm tired of cleaning and caring and such

Good riddance to you, I've given too much..."

Days, weeks, and months have come and gone

And here I remain, dirty and alone

Abandoned by my, once upon a time, family

Left to fend for myself; how can this be?

I see you approach, shrouded in mist and dawn light

I so want to meet you, but I turn away with fright

And wait for the sunset and another long night

But, this time is different

But, this time I find

That this one is patient

Yes, this man seems kind

I step from the shadows and wait for a cue

Might I finally feel tenderness again

Will this relief come from you?

Slowly, with purpose, you speak soft and low

Cautiously, with weariness, I will not turn and go

Away from the promise of another chance. and then

Towards the life saving contact of an exceptional man

You stand there to meet me half way, I can see

You do not insist; you're waiting for me

I've made up my mind, this time, it's for real

To surrender myself to a heart that will heal

You reach out to me, I crane my neck to nudge

In your hands is my fate; you're my jury and judge

A more compassionate court, I shall not know

For, few share the love that, from you, seems to flow

Off, off to a new life, a safe and secure place

Looking up into the soft smile of a kindly, strong face

You are my angel, my hero, my saving grace

A heart that is open, a benevolent soul

With you, I thankfully, will allow myself to go.

To you, John Harrington, this poem is in earnest

A man among men; empathy that is honest

You "feel their pain," and do what you must

To change a cold world to one that is just

For beautiful cats who come into your life

Removing all pain, all fear; all strife

I thank you from the very most sincere part of my soul

I wish the world held more like you....

We work towards this goal...

Thank you.