Kroger
months old when you found us
after our Saturday shopping
one foot mangled and hungry
fourteen years later
the orange tabby who
mentored you gone
you watch as a diamondback walks by
and a black cat settles out front
waiting to replace you
14 thoughts on "Kroger"
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Wonderful, Gaby! The last line just about choked me out.
This is so evocative, Gaby – from the image painted in that opening stanza to the gut punch of the ending!
Oh goodness! Unexpected, powerful ending.
Yes – this ending is heartbreaking!
I agree with Kevin. That last line should bring us all up short.
Sweetness in that face.
Yessss: “when you found us”
Ending stuns.
So sweet.
I love how the ominous cat is black; the poem is poignant in its truth.
I love the feeling of connection you have and which comes across in your writing—to your cat Kroger. I love your poem.
Another incredible poem paired with a striking photo. I like how we get some history of being rescued and remembering the late orange tabby. And I love those eyes.
That last line is a great example of how attentive you are to holding a space for opportunity in your poems and photographs. Both feel so present.
Oh, the stories cats can tell… such short lives, full of such love and heartbreak…
I could hear the cat’s, “Oh no!,” as I read the last line. Great twist! (For the reader 😉
Love this photo and this story so much