Author unknown; posting this here because I found it to be so very beautiful. 

~~I’m an old grey cat letting life slip by,
 Nothing disturbs as I twitch and sigh,
 My silken fur is grizzled and dank,
 My sturdy frame is frail and lank,
 It’s a shadow world as my eyesight dims,
 A bony old cat with creaking limbs,
 But my heart beats strong with a faithful thud
 And I have to say that life’s been good.

 I’ve laid for hours in the kindly sun,
 Chased autumn leaves just for fun,
 I used to climb in the highest tree,
 I caught a rat bigger than me,
 I’ve hunted mice beneath the moon,
 Crooned to clouds my special tune,
 I’ve been loved and pampered and understood,
 There’s not long left, but it’s all been good.

 No rain-soaked nights with dripping hair
 But a warm fireside and my favourite chair,
 No fight to live in a friendless world
 Just contented dreams on a cushion curled,
 No harsh words on a lonely street
 But a gentle voice and the best to eat,
 No hungry stray round the neighbourhood,
 Yes, I’ve been lucky and life’s been good.

 My hours pass slowly, I sleep all day,
 But I sometimes watch while the young ones play
 Remembering times when I rushed around
 With agile paws that made no sound,
 Then a tender hand strokes my ragged fur,
 And I fall asleep with a peaceful purr,
 As I drift serenely towards the end,
 I know I’ve lived with a cat’s best friend.

 Rest is sweet peace, my beautiful, and so very loved Autumn. 7-13-14 you went to Heaven, on a holy Sunday morning. I love you & miss you so much. Thank you for being my best friend, & letting me feel a little piece of Heaven while you were here on Earth♥ I love you so. See you soon, boon

/// A