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Another Loss

yesterday we lost Miko
our only panther black cat.
He was my sweet kitty boy
always asking for head pats.

Cancer in his tender jaw
rapidly it spread and grew
ravaging his small body
it advanced before we knew.

a tiny bump in his chin
over night became a lump
of size and matter to us
not giving into a slump

having little time with him
Steven read while I held on
we enveloped him in love
as he would meet his last dawn.

the house is quieter now
we miss his abounding cheer
we still feel and hear echos
his precious ghost is still here...

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Structured: Western
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The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem "Another Loss" effectively conveys a sense of grief and loss, using a straightforward narrative style to depict the progression of the cat's illness and the emotional aftermath of his passing. The use of simple, direct language and the consistent rhyme scheme contribute to the overall accessibility of the poem.

However, there are a few areas that could be improved for a more impactful reading experience:

1. Imagery: The poem could benefit from more vivid imagery. While the narrative is clear, the language is quite literal and doesn't evoke strong sensory impressions. For instance, instead of "a tiny bump in his chin," consider describing how it felt or looked in more detail.

2. Meter: The poem's meter is inconsistent, which can disrupt the flow when reading. For example, the line "of size and matter to us" is noticeably shorter than the surrounding lines. Try to maintain a consistent number of syllables per line to create a more rhythmic reading experience.

3. Show, don't tell: The poem often tells the reader how to feel, rather than showing them. For example, instead of stating "we miss his abounding cheer," consider showing how his absence has affected the household.

4. Word choice: The choice of words could be more precise to convey the intended emotions more effectively. For instance, the word "slump" in the context doesn't quite capture the gravity of the situation.

5. Punctuation: The poem lacks punctuation, which can make it difficult for the reader to understand the intended pauses and inflections. Incorporating appropriate punctuation can guide the reader through the narrative more smoothly.

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Ugghh. Your lovely tribute to Miko is really resonating with us, having recently lost our dear good boy, Tuffy. Thoughts are with you Cat.

Best

Michael Anthony

thank you for your words of comfort. I am very sorry for you loss of Tuffy. They are family members, no matter what anyone says about it. The grief is real, and we were blessed to have had them in our world.

*hugs, Cat

p.s.

at 8:30 our Russian Blue goes to the vet to see why she does not eat much. Her name is Mia and she is loved. an adoptive kitty, from North Woods Animal Shelter. I am so scared for her. She is over 14 years of age.

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author comment

It is obvious that, in the short time that we had with Miko (a little over a year), you had formed a very strong bond with him. He was your "Bed Buddy". He would lay stretched out against your thigh or sleep between your knees while we read or while you slept.

The subcutaneous carcinoma that developed in his jaw was so painful that he could no longer eat. It was heartbreaking to watch as he would try to eat his favorites, then walk away and look at me, as if to say "Help me!" There is no way we could prolong that for him. So, though it cost us emotionally, we gave him peace.

Now, as I walk around the house, I expect to see him in his favorite haunts. He will be missed for a long time.

Thanx,
Steve

I never learned how to shut out this kind of hurt... usually I can shut down physical pain, but I am lost here...

*love, Cat

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of a pet is a hard thing to bear. We adopt them and they us, not of their genus, but loved, nevertheless. I didn't have either of my last two dogs at this house, so I don't expect to see them hanging out in a favorite spot, or hear their nails clicking on the floor, but I think about them often. When we have to grant them peace, I think it is even that much harder. I held my Rugby
at the vet's when we granted him the relief from his seizures, it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I whispered, "Let's go get a burger boy", I felt him shiver, and it was done. I cried all the way home. So sorry for your loss. I felt your pain here. ~ Geez.
.

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I was unable to go to the vet's because my wheelchair is not workable in the small space of the office exam room. I wished I could go to hold him when he met with his release. I was able to go and be with my darlin' cat Gonzo,several years back. I feel my loss deeply, but I am gratified that Miko is no longer in pain. thank you for being here for us, and your kindness.

*hugs, Cat

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Reading your post brought a tightness to my chest. In the last four years, I've had to do the very same thing six times with Beau, Morty, Lucy, Bennie, Shadow, and now Miko. It never gets easier and each time, I end up crying on the way home. But, in the end, that pain and grief is greatly outweighed by the joy they bring to our lives.

Thanx,
Steve

Mia's prognosis is hopeful I am so sorry I could not be there for all of them... as a cat mom, I wanted to be...

*love, mama Cat

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Fingers crossed for Mia! Saw this meme on socials: "Hey science, we don't need a smarter phone, we want our cats and dogs to live until like 60!" Let's hope they get to work on that!

Best

Michael Anthony

Is hanging in there. She is too weak to jump up on the bed, or walk up the set of steps to the bed. Steven lifts her up. She is struggling with normal stairs going up is worst She has fallen over a few times...my heart lurches as I watch her... she has eaten some tuna fish (cat food) but not much, mostly licked up the gravy. it is something, tho'.
YES we need to have advances in the development for remedies for our furry family members!!! thank you dear Michael for adding your support for our baby girl!

*hugs, Cat

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Fingers crossed for Mia! Saw this meme on socials: "Hey science, we don't need a smarter phone, we want our cats and dogs to live until like 60!" Let's hope they get to work on that!

Best

Michael Anthony

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