I wrote a blog a short while ago with a poem I wrote after my wonderful friend Claire died suddenly. I would like to post the poem again as I have made a few small changes (please see the end of this blog).
One night last week, a few nights before I was to attend the celebration of her life, I was feeling so restless. I don’t know where it came from (well I actually I think I do know….it came from Claire) but I suddenly had a compulsion to draw one of her cats. I chose a picture and got the paper, charcoal, white chalk and eraser out. Not long later (it seemed not long but, as it such a meditative state, I have no idea how much time passes when creating) there in front of me was a drawing of her cat Darcey.
I am so grateful that I can now recognise the moments when I need to be creating. I have picked up a pen, pencil, piece of charcoal, paintbrush several times over the last few months rather than wallow in sadness, anger or whatever emotion is taking over at that moment in time.
I feel that the creating of the poem and the picture is a fitting tribute to an amazing woman but, more than that, it somehow made me feel close to her even though she is physically not here any more and that has given me some sort of comfort. It has been a therapeutic part of the grieving process. I shared the poem and picture with those that loved her and it felt that it brought some sort of comfort to them too.
Here is the slightly amended poem:
Feeling Feline
So lean…
What do you mean?
Well…you know, lithe and clean?
But, what do you mean?
You are elegant and soft, holding that intelligent head aloft.
Oh, I see….I think…
With your silver sheen
you stretch and preen.
You can be quite a match for those not quite clever enough
to know what you really mean.
I still don’t understand.
Ahhhh, but you are far too special you see, not like them or me.
You are, in fact, so matter of fact…
and yet an enigma, you are cryptic, mysterious and,
let’s face it, you are…
JUST LIKE A CAT.
Now do you see?
With those impossible blue eyes you are
cool as a cucumber, warm as can be.
You live to be free, yet you hold those special ones close.
You give your heart to all those you love,
especially to your dark beauty…
The one who stayed true, the one who really knew you,
Knew you the most…the one that
you knew, you loved.
You love us all…we know and we absolutely without any doubt…
LOVE YOU
Meow…
Meow.
For Claire and all who knew her by RS
5 March 2016
romskiwrites 