Love Poem: My Old Lovable New Friend
Susan Berg Avatar
Written by: Susan Berg

My Old Lovable New Friend

A funny thing happened to me just the other day.
The friendliest cat came to my door wanting to play.
He was meowing like crazy, peering in through the screen,
As if calling to someone it’d been a while since he'd seen.

I said, “Well, hello little kitty. What is it you want?
I’ve never seen you before. Are you just out for a jaunt?”
He was an orange and white Tabby with a depth in his eyes.
Of all the cats I’ve known, he was the most lovable guy.

As I petted him gently, he met my every touch.
He loved all the attention and just couldn’t get enough.
I gave him some ham scraps and some water to drink.
He gobbled it all up; then was gone in a blink.

A few days went by when one night I couldn’t sleep.
I stepped outside beneath the lamppost on our street.
I looked up at the stars as I so often do,
And talked to God and loved ones who are up there, too.

I thought I’d sure like to see that cute, friendly cat.
And right at that moment, he appeared! Just like that!
He came out from underneath the cars in our drive,
And walked right to me. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

We were both so overjoyed as if long lost friends
Who were finally able to embrace once again.
He squirmed with such delight at my every stroke.
In his eyes, I saw my friend Teddy—that’s no joke.

You see, Teddy was my life-long friend who sadly died.
I miss him every day and often look for “a sign.”
I asked the cat, “Are you Teddy?” Our eyes locked in a gaze.
Just then, as if answering, he raised one paw to my face.

He reached up with his paw and gently touched my chin.
It gave me goosebumps because I just knew it was him!
In awe, it took me a few moments to take this all in.
Then, I said goodbye to my friend, "Hope to see you again."

The next morning in the yard he played wild and carefree.
He was running and jumping and climbing a tree.
That’s the last time I saw him—don't know where he could be,
Or whom he belongs to, but I sure wish it was me!

I wonder, was it Teddy visiting me as a cat?
Maybe, just maybe?  I’d like to think it was fact.
I’d sure love to see "my old lovable new friend,"
But, seems he’s vanished—I haven't seen him since then.

If my friend ever does pay me a visit again,
I think I might keep him, if it is all right with him.