When a Kitten Dies

We are involved in kitten rescue. It involves taking kittens from feral colonies, raising them to an adoptable age while socializing them so that they are adoptable. Unfortunately many kittens die a natural death early on due to a variety of causes. As a result, raising kittens can be a heartbreaking enterprise, though also one with great rewards.

Recently we lost three kittens in a night. When I came to the kitten room the next day and our kitten lady told me I didn't really know what to say. It wasn't the first time, but I certain wished it would be the last. I wrote this:

When a kitten passes on,

It leaves a space transparent,

Where only those who nurtured it,

Can see the smile it left behind.