ever patient

singing lovelies

while Scout fumed

enduring torment

cage a prison

for my little Blue

beware the signs

oh reader, dear

domestic violence true

exists in places

unexpected

one cage needed two

separation came

too late

from Scout the feathered shrew

so now, my Blue,

my memories

are all I have of you

_________________

Blue's best friend from the pet shop, Scout, was a green parakeet who had no tolerance for Blue's lovely voice. She abused Blue, but we did not realize it until Blue showed physical signs of stress. Separation (two cages) came too late. Blue died a few months later. Scout made it another year and never sang for us. This poem is written in memory of Blue's lovely voice.

My dear Minnie

We were born around..

The same time-

Side by side

Ever since birth..

Very first pet-

You loved your

Fish flavored biscuits..

And some human food-

You always liked to play

Even had a day..

Just for stretching about-

We watched movies

In a blanket snug..

As a bug-

I miss your purrs

& all your meows..

My dear Minnie-

Little whiskers trembled

when I first picked you up

but in your throat

a steady little rumble

vibrates to my heart

and I knew

you were mine

right from the start.

Tiny and white,

splotched just right

with a little bit of black

you stole my heart

and kept it

never gave it back.

Flip over your food

play in the woodchips

make a mess

but I still love you

and your cuteness.

Outside in the grass

streak right under

the leafy bush

hiding away

come out! I say

you squeak right back

and I grumble and say

don't give me sass!

Squeak! Squeak!

Tromping around

your woodchip-scattered cage

just a little spunky

for your old age

but I don't mind

and if I look

hard enough

I still see you

in your little nook

in the crook

of my arm.❤

I got you

When you were six months old

For my ninth birthday.

You let me hold you

In my lap,

Pet your back,

Touch your nose.

For five years

You learned my secrets.

For five years,

You tolerated my complaining.

For five years,

You were my comfort while I cried.

Then, one day,

Dad said you were lying on your side,

Barely moving.

That was your last day.

I cried.

So did my sister.

Remember her? Laura.

We buried you up by the church,

Under the tree marked "friendly."

Friendly you were.

I won't ever forget you;

You were my first pet.

You taught me that nothing lasts forever;

That you should live in and love the moment.

Forever I will love you,

My little guinea pig.