Often only your tail twitched in sleep.
Now you move not at all.
When you were spry,
you batted toys (and mice)
with a blur of paws.

When snuggled into a lap,
only the felt vibration
indicated life.

Digging your grave
let me mix muscles
with tears– energy
put to some use.

Rest well, my friend.
I knew you were my friend
even when you ignored me.

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, July 8, 2015