Thunder growls all through the night
as I lie awake with worry about
my tabby cat, Oscar
At nearly sixteen years old
he valiantly carries
himself minus a leg and
uneasily lugs loads of fear 
of storms and loud noises
A part of me wants to growl
too in the dark
Someone must be strong  
ergo I sob in silence

A most joyous day it will be
when Oscar hops back home
My girls say in the future 
he’ll never be allowed
outside lest he become
lost once more and a storm
of sorrow rumbles through them
Someone must be strong
but may it be so that my next
softly falling tears be those of gladness