An old tomcat sits in the yard his fur tinged with gray
His eyes glazed over, blind against threats that come his way
Mousing days have ended, he is no longer of household use
Missing teeth and claws upon which he depended, rats to reduce
Body scarred and battered, run over by a mowing machine
Coat of dignity scattered but mean as a wolverine
No food is left for him, no saucer of rewarding milk
Yet with crippled limb he grooms fur, soft as Mulberry silk
Shadows of day sweep over him as night's darkness falls
His once well fed body grows slim as he rests against once warm walls
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: May 29th, 2026 03:34
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 38
- Users favorite of this poem: Cindy, Paul Bell, Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: Age, animal, Discarded.
Offline)
Comments8
I have seen a few such cats, and people, good write
Thanks Norman your read and comment are deeply appreciated
most welcome
Oh I know the feeling.Not able to do the things I did many years ago, For me this is a metaphor for aging. WE certainly can't do the same things now as we did years ago but it there is an inevitability to the end
Thanks so much David I appreciate your review of this piece and your interpretation. Yes it is not only humans that age and loose abilities.
The cat that no longer gets the cream.
We all know how that feels, and reminiscing doesn't bring the cream either.
Where did the time go to.
Thank you Paul I deeply appreciate your read and comment yes we are only as good as the last thing we did today
Oh, there was a time, but no longer. I feel that, both in a physical and metaphorical level. 🙏🏻🕊️
Thank you my dear friend for the review and words of support. Yes it may be my age or maybe just the lack of gratitude that I see others receive for a life of effort.
A fine write SB.
Thanks so much my friend your words and most important to me
The Stark Realties of the Ageing Process.
Good Write.
Thank you Kevin for the read and kind comment on this poem it is most appreciated
Fine words soren, many animals end up like that.
Andy
Thank you so much my friend for the review and kind words. Animals and people too
Soren, this is a heartbreaking portrait of aging and abandonment. The old tomcat feels like far more than a cat here...he becomes a symbol of what happens when usefulness fades but dignity remains. Beautifully written, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thanks Tristan you have said it in just a few words. Your read and comment are always highly anticipated
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