My calico cat Dinah has cancer
her jaw's swollen and
her right eye's half shut
there's a tumor pushing outward
destroying skin and bone

She jumps on my lap
in one fluid motion
silently she stares
while I hold her gently weeping

She purrs softly
and rubs her face against mine
then reaching up with both paws
she hugs me as if to say
everything will be all right

If only she could talk
and let me realize
we are kindred spirits
for I have cancer too

Why can't she let me know
the secret of life's mysteries
and how not fear death

Perhaps that's too much to ask
even if the answers seem hidden
behind her luminous green eyes

— By Roberta A. McQueen