By Our Side

The cat now sleeps
by my side.
It has taken your place
since you died. 

Purring and kneading
I pet it's head. 
It keeps me company 
in your stead. 

It licks my cheeks 
as I weep. 
And lulls me slowly 
off to sleep. 

The nightmares come
and I wake. 
It meows in protest 
and gives a slight shake.

It hops down
from the bed. 
I look over
and see it's fled. 

I cover my face
then feel a slight nudge. 
I look up and realize
not to be quick to judge. 

She sits in front of me
something in her grasp.
I take the picture
from our past. 

It's him and I 
and her just a kitten.
We all look at each other
completely smitten. 

I look up
into her intelligent eyes. 
And that's when
I finally realize. 

She gives a sad cry 
and I see.
That she is experiencing
the same emotions as me. 

She mourns your loss
just as I.
Wishing you 
were by our side. 

I smile at her 
as she rubs my cheek.
And I hold her close
as we go back to sleep.