Norty

In the scheme of life

No one probably cares

About one old, kind of obnoxious cat.

He left fur everywhere

Demanded to sit on my chest or keyboard

at all times

Acted like we never fed him enough

He was our ever-present reality

For nearly twenty years

And we loved him.

I loved him

But more importantly

He loved us.

He loved me.

He was my constant companion

Whenever I sat on the couch.

No matter how many times I pushed him away.

Or put him down.

Or shouted when he did some cat typing.

He always came back

Pushing in between me and my work.

Until one day he didn’t.

I knew that at 19

His days were numbered.

But we always think there will be

One more day.

One more moment.

One more demanded cuddle.

And my chest aches for his warmth.

I didn’t appreciate enough what I had

In his unconditional love.

His scrawny five-pound orange self

Has left a giant fur-lined hole in my world.