Feeding Stray Cats in Ukraine
By Rebecca K. Leet
As molecules of steel madness
concussed the air
and no next breath was sure
a vibration in his unbowed soul
prompted Sasha to step outside
and feed a posse of stray cats.
The offering –
from one displaced in the world
to others also beggared –
cost Sasha his right foot.
War presents, at times,
a tableau for tenderness –
often anonymous, usually unseen.
It always presents
a canvas for cruelty – unfathomable
yet undaunting
to the merciful who step outside
to succor the world.
Rebecca K. Leet has spent a lifetime across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, seeing the best of times and the worst. Writing poetry keeps her sane.
Photo credit: Yael Beeri via a Creative Commons license.
Editor’s note: Paws of War is helping to care for abandoned pets in Ukraine. The nonprofit has received a 4 of 4 stars rating on Charity Navigator, so it’s safe to assume your contribution will be well-spent.