(Poem 272 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
The new kitten
has no idea
what big paws
she has to fill,
but if her sass
and spunk
are any indication
of her intentions,
I would say she’s
going to hold her own
quite well in our pack.
@Home Studio – 272nd poem of the year
(Poem 248 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
To be without Beauty
feels plain and bare,
lacking in something.
A presence at once
regal and understated
has gone missing, and
in its place is an ache,
a pang, maybe a twinge
of listless longing for
some undefined touch
of elegance that is both
gracious and aloof,
familiar and unknowable.
@Home Studio – 248th poem of the year
Runner ups for the Losing Beauty photos to accompany my poem:
1. Beauty & Kage on guard duty.
2. Chika, Beauty, & Cotton Eyed Joe snuggling.
3. Beauty & Chika sharing my chair.
4. Beauty holding hands with Kenji.
5. The last picture I ever took of Beauty—Beauty & Aiko holding hands.
(Poem 247 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
Making the call to end a life
weighs heavily on the spirit,
even if the conclusion is an
act of mercy for the beloved
by relieving pain and suffering.
Only those who have spent
years with another in close
proximity, shared their lives
intimately, and were tasked
with taking the initiative to
usher in the end know the
reluctance with which the
decision is made and how
heavy the heart to speak the
truth that life has become a
burden rather than a blessing.
@Home Studio – 247th poem of the year
Runner ups for the Making the Call photos to accompany my poem:
(Poem 225 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
I’m afraid my cat
is unraveling
like an old sweater
with a snag.
If I pull too hard
on the loose thread
catching
on my ring
or hangnail,
who knows
how many carefully
knit rows will come
undone
and fall,
gravity removing all
trace of ever having been
a woven thing.
I don’t think he can
be put back together
again
if he falls
from his wall
and I don’t know
how to keep
him balanced
on the ledge
between
this reality
and the next.
@Home Studio – 225th poem of the year
Runner ups for the Kage’s Unraveling photos to accompany my poem:
(Poem 194 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
Photos taken by Erica Smith.
Sissy says it’s breakfast time,
affection is only welcome from
the lone matron of the house,
and lack of treats is a crime.
She’s sassy, demanding, and
extra verbal when annoyed,
she prefers to be left alone,
and likes her cat food canned.
Each of her insults is hurled
from the back of her chair,
and her perches are plenty
because this is Sissy’s world.
@Home Studio – 194th poem of the year
(Poem 159 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
No one got the memo to
Beauty that brushing is a
necessity for maintaining
her silky, fluffy, calico coat.
She thinks my attacks with
the evil brush and comb are
horrific assaults on both her
privacy and hope of survival.
If it were up to her, Beauty’s
jewelry would consist of
burs and spear grass, with
mats of hair and caked mud.
She would rather nap and
complain about her only three
quarters full food bowl than
comply with any grooming.
@Home Studio – 159th poem of the year
Runner ups for the Beauty Pain photos to accompany my poem:
(Poem 137 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
My cat and I had a little talk
before she went into surgery.
I was warned by the vet that
this could be the end for Beauty.
Her heart is now much weaker,
not as strong as it once was.
Removing the growths on her
chest might need to be put on pause.
But my sweet girl is miserable,
I can tell because I know her well.
She needs help, comfort, relief,
my poor lovely, gentle belle.
I told her she’s been so strong,
served as my constant friend.
It’s time for her to rest for now;
let her body have time to mend.
@Home Studio – 137th poem of the year
(Poem 122 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)
I bought the Sceptre Curved 24-inch gaming monitor1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Buid-in speakers, VESA Wall Mount Machine Black (C248W-19204N Series) – the sound is not very good, but I like the visuals for the work I do, and it was $84.97 on Amazon. I bought the Hiearcool USB C Hub, USB C Multi-Port Adapter, 7in1 Dongle Compatible for MacBook Pro, Chromebooks, etc. for $18.84 on Amazon. It seems to be working fine. I also bought the Logitech MK295 Wireless Mouse & Keyboard Combo with SilentTouch Technology, full number pad, lag-free wireless, 90% less noise for $29.99 on Amazon. I like them well enough and must have a number pad on my keyboards, so I like this one. I also got a LORYERGO Laptop Stand for Desk to make more room and have a better angle on the Chromebook for $12.74 on Amazon. This one is wonderful. I think it is helping with neck pain, too. Lastly, I got a SUPERDANNY power strip surge protector with 22 AC outlets and 6 USB charging ports for $27.99 on Amazon. It is a bit of overkill, but I was sick of not having enough outlets for things. Oh, and for back comfort, I use my cat as a lumbar pillow. He is not for sale.
@Home Studio – 122nd poem of the year
Runner ups for the Tech and Cat photos to accompany my poem:
All images created by Rebekah Marshall’s prompts using AI on Gencraft.com website.
All images created by Rebekah Marshall’s prompts using AI on Gencraft.com website.
rebekahjmarshall 