So playful, such a funny little thing.   Because you bought such joy
to my life, I named you Sunrise.
An outdoor kitten, I found on the back porch, hungry and
all alone.  I fed you morning and night but left you outside.
You didn't want to live in an abode.

But last night it changed, you stood at the screen, wanting
to come in.  The indoor cats looked at you and they didn't want
to be your friend.  So after looking inside for such a long time
you finally went back where you stayed.   A sorry mistake,
I'll never forgive myself for not bringing you in.

For that night, somewhere, sometime, you went in the street
Where a car ran you down.  When I found you, you were alive,
but your poor little body was injured beyond repair.

We took you to the vet, knowing what she'd say.   To put you
down would be more humane.    It was a hard thing to do, but
it had to be done.   I'll miss you so much, my unknown little one.

                                MARY E. LACEY
                                         2011