For Heinrich

You appeared at my door on Halloween night.

Dirty and skinny.

You looked a fright.

I shooed you away, told you to go.

But still you stayed,

Until it got cold.

I let you in and gave you food.

Provided a warm place to sleep.

"It's only temporary" I'd say, it's true.

But soon I was comforted by your mews

I grew to love you more than any human

(And the cats I love are very few.)

I've had nine years to watch you grow.

Each scattered grey hair on your otherwise black coat.

You've seen my highs and you've seen my lows.

And in knowing now what I didn't know then.

If I could live a thousand lives.

I'd always take you in, again and again.

-Jo Resner 10/23/17