Searching for Home

An original poem

Poe, my dad’s newest cat, drinking water. (Original photo by John Coon)

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My dad has taken in feral cats for many years, providing them with meals and beds. Some have come and gone. Others have stayed and become part of our family.

The newest addition to the little feral colony is a gray and white cat my sister named Poe. Poor little Poe showed up at my dad’s house, skinny and terrified, earlier this winter. We all immediately started doing our part to make him feel welcome. Poe has gradually warmed up to humans who are feeding him and helping him survive the winter. I suspect he was abandoned by his previous family and it’s taking him some time to learn to trust humans again.

My newest poem is inspired by Poe and other cats our family has helped over the years — a snapshot of the world from the point of view of a helpless animal searching for a new loving home.

(Editor’s note: Poe died on July 12, 2024 — six months after I originally wrote this poem. A heartless person stole his life by running over him near my dad’s house. Rest in peace, Poe.)

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A wandering stranger 
compelled to roam 
yearning to find rest
seeking a new home

Smothered by icy winds
trudging over deep snow
frozen trembling limbs 
suffering is what I know

Visions of better things
dance before my eyes. 
Comforts of a better life
are the missing prize. 

My aching belly filled
with more than stale bread.
Nestled by a crackling fire, 
sleeping in a warm bed. 

I linger at the doorstep. 
Spare me a little bowl. 
Invite me to stick around
Heal my wounded soul.

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Did you enjoy this poem? Check out my other poetry in the Strange New Worlds archives.

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Samak Press Gives Back 2023: Update

I’ve gotten back the final numbers from December’s Samak Press Gives Back charitable initiative. I’m happy to announce that I raised $51 to donate to the Best Friends Animal Society. This donation will go toward help homeless cats and dogs find new forever homes.

Thank you for your support in spreading the word. I hope to make a much larger impact with my next charitable drive planned for December 2024. Stay tuned for more details later this year.

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