Day 10: Silence is louder than a purr

Some small hearts simply leave too soon.

The house still holds their shape and scent

a sunbeam on the windowsill,

the ghost of purring in the room.

.

(Why don't kitties live longer?

Because the world is loud and sharp

and they are made of velvet dark.

Why don't kitties live longer?

So every scratch of joy stays fierce

and cannot dull across the years.

Why don't kitties live longer?

Because forever would grow tame,

and wonder needs a short, bright flame.)

.

The lap stays warm, the bowl stays full,

yet something soft has slipped away

and left the quiet twice as loud.