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In our twosome kitchen -
on the glazed cupboard door -
hangs a tiny wooden heart
by a blood red ribbon.

The heart is not alone:
Beside it is a tiny bell
and a small brass disk
on which are lightly engraved
the letters L, U, D and O.

If I jiggle the ribbon
the bell jingles, and all
the remaining feline ears
within this tranquil house
prick up - I'm sure with sorrow.

For me, now, as tomorrow,
tears fill my ancient eyes.

Beside these things that hang,
on an adjoining handle,
my wife has a small plaque
engraved with soothing words:
'A cat's purr never lies'

Unfortunately, it dies.







© Allen Ansell 2022