Monday, July 20, 2009

Shemariah (May 1990--March 2, 2009)

The allure of your marbled fur, the way you leaped and stirred
Your demurs were playful but firm, always ill-timed and assured
Contours of your agile frame routinely stroked as you purred
Eyes clear then blurred, but fierce, messages conveyed without words

Through long, empty still nights, you would scamper and saunter
Every path and hall held delights, you were friend, and haunter
Transfixed on your diamantine eyes, they sparkled with eerie iridescence
Two baby blue gems, made glowing lights, a pair of fiery crescents

About the patio, love requited, your contentment was marvelously warm
Predictably with you fresh steak excited, you remained carnivorously in form
We wrestled and amused ourselves, you always emerged victoriously transformed
Himalayan coat shed on the carpet and shelves, a veritable, deliriously unkempt storm

I look past the time of woe, in the bay it will stew for now the revelry is left
That will last long after the pains of sorrow, the way in which you drew every breath
Your feline grace would befit Desdemona at her sweetest, your cunning, Lady Macbeth
Before the tree-line, most dangerous at your discreetest, you fought against the long night of death

20 comments:

Joseph "Jon" Lanthier said...

I've lost quite a few felines over the years...my deepest sympathies. Beautiful, vivid verse, particularly the second stanza.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you so very much, Jon. I extend my sympathy to you as well.

Laetitia said...

I can't stop crying. So beautiful and heartfelt.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you, Laetitia. I'm sorry to make you cry. :)

mc said...

This brought many memories vividly to my mind of special cats that I have had in my life. Thank you.

Tony D'Ambra said...

I have always had a cat in my life, and I have felt the same sorrow and shed the same tears for more than one departed companion.

A beautiful elegy Alexander of arresting verse and sublime melancholy.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

You're most welcome, mc and thank you.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you so very much, Tony. It means a great deal coming from a wonderful poet such as yourself. Not to mention a fellow cat-lover! Thank you again, my friend.

ratatouille's archives said...

Hi! Alexander,

Welcome back...but on such a very sad note...
...Alexander, I think I recall you, mentioning Shemariah, but I’ am not quite sure!...

Alexander, I must admit that your tribute to Shemariah is very moving, very touching, and very heartfelt...
...I know how you must feel.
Because my family have lost two family pets (That were very near and dear to my family too!) two French poodles, name Spunky and Prince. (Respectively)

The only thing that I can say is my condolences to you, at this time as you grieve the loss of your family pet…..Shemariah.

Take care!
DeeDee ;-D

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you very much for the very kind words, DeeDee. I am touched by your empathy and touching anecdotes. As with Jon, I extend my sympathy to you with regards to your French poodles. The loss of a long-beloved pet is significant for anyone.

Thank you once again; as always you have graced CCC with your unique warmth and understanding.

Moses Hernandez said...

Very moving poetry, Alexander. As others have said just sublime and heartwrenching. The imagery created by your words is truly, profoundly brilliant.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you for the extraordinarily kind words, Moses. I'm rendered speechless. :)

Sam Juliano said...

I am deeply saddened to hear of this, and my eyes watered just now while reading this. I've experienced this and I'll admit I handle these things very badly. I know it takes time Alexander, but it did inspire you to write these lovely words.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you very much for the gentle and lovely words, Sam. You're right, the loss of a pet is painful, but the memories do endure. Thank you again, Sam, I sincerely appreciate your words.

Daniel said...

My belated condolences, Alexander. I was sad when my hamster died after only two years (I was like 12), so I'm sure this must have been a very difficult time for you.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you very much, Daniel. And thank you for sharing that personal history with us here. Hamsters are cute little creatures.

Craig Kennedy said...

Condolences Alexander, but thank you for turning your loss into something beautiful and moving and sharing it with us.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Thank you very much, Craig. I'm touched by your comment. And I'm happy to see you back at CCC! :-)

Anonymous said...

They say boys don't cry but this made me shed a couple of tears. It hurts to lose a loved pet. Wonderful and moving poetry, Alexander Coleman.

Coleman's Corner in Cinema... said...

Oh, well thank you very much, Anonymous. I'm touched by your generosity of spirit as well as your warm and kind words. Thank you again, most sincerely. Needless to say, I empathize with you over the loss of a beloved pet.