Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Farewell


My daughter and her "Prince"
Farewell

Farewell Golden Boy,
whose emerald eyes blinked sonnets,
whose throat purred poetic odes,
whose tail rhythmically rose and fell
upon the down, comforted with medicinal licks,
whose paws kneaded my chest,
whose nose kissed mine.

He was our prince, our peacemaker,
our little lion whose regal path
through dogs large and small
was punctuated with an exclamation mark;
tail, proud and tall, left no doubt
my daughter's bed was his.

by Margaret Bednar, July 28, 2020


Above is a photo of our sunset memorial on Ocracoke Island to our Westley.  

down = down comforter (he liked a soft, fluffy comforter :)

We have lost a great soul to the "other side".  Our dear cat, Westley.  He is another animal who helped me raise my children, comforted and loved them. He was one reason my daughter made sure to come home and visit from college!  My heart is heavy, but only because we were gifted with so much love.  Tears of thankfulness, not sorrow. 

Until we meet again, Dearest Westley.

This is linked with Sky Love Poetry's "Skylover Wordlist" ( I used three words: Golden, Farewell, Medicine) which can be found on Instagram  and "Poets & Storytellers United - Weekly Scribblings #30" (I used three words Poetry, Punctuation, Rhythm)

I've been absent for quite a while - busy with family and just got back from vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  I hope to be back in the writing grove now and I have missed all my fellow poets!   I look forward to visiting and commenting.  

18 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

This is such a heart-warming tribute to a prince among cats.. so hard to say goodbye to our furry family members and I find it does not get easier with time.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Such a regal and well-loved (and loving) boy. It is so hard to lose them, when they gave so much. Sigh. A beautiful tribute to your beloved being.

Cressida de Nova said...

How blessed you were to have Westley. Neautiful tribute to a beautiful soul.

kaykuala said...

"Tears of thankfulness, not sorrow" a most likable line, Marge. Westley like most cats can be such an adorable family member. Hank has one like him too. Welcome back, Ma'am!

Hank

indybev said...

We have a prince AND a princess in our house, and I dread the time we have to say goodbye to either. Your poem is a loving tribute.

erbiage.wordpress.com said...

welcome back margaret. good to read you again.

what a lovely and loving tribute

Magaly Guerrero said...

I am sorry for your loss, Margaret. May his spirit continue to blink and purr poetry, may your heart find comfort in the memories.

Vivian Zems said...


Glad to see you here, Margaret...but so sorry for your loss. As a pet owner myself, I feel this keenly and have you and your daughter in my thoughts. A wonderful tribute.

Jim said...

Margaret, I too am sorry for your family's loss. He is now in Heaven as one of God's creation, as per the Bible in Roman's Chapter 8, second half. This I heard from Elizabeth Elliot on car radio going to work and it makes sense to me. You might also think that God made our pets have lives shorter than ours so that we can take care of them for their entire lifespan.
Thoughts like this may offer solace but I still miss our Beagle Dog Adi so very much since she died in 2012. We were buddies and also a registered pet therapy pair.
Though I am sorry to have to read of Westley's passing but I am glad to read one of your poems again, this lovely tribute. May he RIP.
..

Old Egg said...

For you to feel this way he must have loved you too.

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

Beautiful cat and beautiful poem. (And you brought me to tears.)

Helen said...

What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to a special member of the Bednar Family.
Love,
Helen

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

It's hard to lose a beloved pet. Writing about the loss helps, I think.

Joel (@Stranded Tree) said...

I picture your Golden Boy strutting as proud cats do with their tails high with the curl waving with each step.
I'm sorry for your loss

Kim M. Russell said...

A warm and loving tribute to Prince, Margaret. I am so sorry for your loss.

Rommy said...

We know we've loved well by how keenly we feel the loss. Rest in peace, sweet prince Westley.

Sanaa Rizvi said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Margaret. This is a beautiful tribute poem.

ayala said...

I am so sorry for your loss. A loving tribute.