Lucy-Bill

October 1984

My Little Lucy,
Big brown eyes of love spilling forth, eager, unsure.
Calling to me—I'm here. Let's go home.
A new beginning. Doggie friends and a mommy to adore me.
I like this. Yes, I've come home.
Trips, toys, Duckies! A world of adventure.
The ocean, the mountains, cows!
And always "my family" and home.

May 2, 2000

I've dug your grave, Lucy. I want to be ready. I'll never be ready.
It's a lovely spot—under the oak tree in a corner of the garden.
I'll plant impatiens there. You'll wear your Sunday kerchief.
All you need do is rest.
You will always be in my heart, dear naughty and haughty adorable Lucy.
Your are my Joy in a Black Woolly Coat.
Thank you for your love and trust and such precious joy.
Run free again! And remember—you'll always be home.

Stray Cat
Oh, what unhappy twist of fate
Has brought you homeless to my gate?
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter, warmth and food.
For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny.
While he, with purr and velvet paw
Became within my house the law.
He scratched the furniture and shed
And claimed the middle of my bed.
He ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day he died.
So if you really think, oh Cat,
I'd willingly relive all that
Because you come, forlorn and thin
Well... don't just stand there... come on in!

—Francis Witham