Cotton Came Back to Say Goodbye

When Cotton disappeared,

We accepted that she had gone away

To die in private

Like many of the other friendly strays

One by one, outdoor cats that seemed healthy

Would stop coming around

My grandkids and I looked throughout the neighborhood

But not one was ever found

Cotton was special

So loving, gentle, and sweet

When we sat on the front or back porch

She jumped into our laps or sat at our feet

We didn't expect to see her again

Yet I prayed to know her fate

Three days later, Cotton returned

At midnight, when it was very late

She looked thin and haggard

And let out a frightful cry

That's the moment I knew

Cotton had come back to die

The temperature was below freezing

Ice and snow upon the ground

Yet Cotton, in her distressful state

Strength to return home, she had found

I gave her food and water

She ate, drank, and then fell down

Wrapped her in a blanket

She made a blood-curdling sound

Placed her inside a box

Said "I love you" as I cried

It wasn't very long before sweet Cotton

Took her last breath and died

I'm thankful my prayer was answered

My Cotton braved the elements

To return so I could say goodbye

And then to kitty heaven she went