10.27.2011

Thoughts on Thursday

A woman I know named Beth posted this poem on her blog yesterday.  I met Beth in January 2009 when I adopted our angel Max from Toronto Cat Rescue; an organization she was involved with at the time and I have followed her blog ever since.  Beth now runs her own private rescue called Forever Home Cat Rescue, and she printed this poem as a lovely dedication to her hardworking volunteers.

I have many friends in the Cat Blogosphere who also rescue, foster and re-home cats and care for sick, injured or feral cats.  I'd like to share this poem with all of those fantastic and compassionate people who I am so very proud to know :-)

The Reason

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted
skin that isn't flea bitten
good food and enough of it
beds to sleep on
someone to love me
to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...

You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other cats like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.

I am the reason
The cats before me are the reason
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given
We would die if not for you

Max 2008-2009

17 comments:

m.q said...

beautiful poem
we love it

BoBo Salem
Meow Meow Family

Sparkle said...

You've actually MET Beth? Lucky you! She is an awesome human, and does so much good for kitties in her area.

Marg said...

Now that is one wonderful poem and Oh so true. We love it. Max you sure were a handsome boy. Is it my imagination, or does Max look a lot like Jimmy?? Thanks so much for this great poem. We are going to visit your friend.

Hannah and Lucy said...

The poem is wonderful and it made mum go glassy eyes. Beth sounds like an amazing lady.
Your Max looks so much like a Max who owned me for 15 years - he was a handsome black fellow too.
Luv Hannah and Lucy's Mum

Cory said...

We love the poem. It's making mom a bit leaky eyed because she said our Jonesie could have written it since she was in that condition when she wandered into our backyard...almost ready to give up on life. We are all rescues here.

Purrrr.

xoxo Cory

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

this made me cry but it is beyond beautiful!

((((hugs))))

LP said...

Beautiful poem Cat thanks for posting it! It's true so many "discarded" cats who weren't rescued would have died. And a cat, like a human being can be alive and still die when they are unable to love and participate in the world.Leo was one of those beings. He would just sit in his cage (for three years! in rescue) and stare at the ground. He was dead when I found him.Now he gets to LOVE and his eyes are alive.He has sooo much love in him it buoys my heart.

Kisses to the boys.
LP and the critters in The Cottage xo

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh my goodness what a beautiful powerful poem....
Max was a gorgeous kitty what a proud pose he has in this picture.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Admiral Hestorb said...

That mad emommy cry and how true. She loving on me and leaving wet marks on my furs.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is so very beautiful!

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

That poem makes our Mommy cry every time she reads it. She wishes she could give every cat and dog that needs one a home.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Beth is an amazing woman. I have followed her blog for some time. We saw this poem yesterday and thought it was beautiful too.
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

The Island Cats said...

What a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Cara n Crew said...

Thanks for sharing, what a great poem! It made our mom's eyes leaky...

Pip, Smidgen, Minnie, Hollie

Mr Puddy said...

Beautiful Poem indeed.
Lots of hugs to your mom
xoxo

Oui Oui said...

What a beautiful poem! That fits everyone here, and all the ones who came before. Its such a sad world some poor animals live in! If there's one thing the mom would change if she could, it would be that every animal have a loving home.

meowmeowmans said...

What a beautiful poem. I have to go dry my eyes now...