Asthmatic Cat

Asthmatic Cat

Russell Rowland

The labored sound of a door creaking
on its hinges comes from beside us on the sofa.

At one time we mistook it
for a purr, but now given the vet’s diagnosis
we understand better—

we hear, in our own household,
the entire creation groaning together, as it waits
with eager longing

for a renewal from beyond its orbs and gyres;

as we ourselves groan,
inwardly, at being treasures in earthen vessels.

We sympathize with all
the cat cannot know, as we stuff her unwilling
into her carrier for the therapeutic trip,

and what even Pastor does not know—

save that where we trust we’re going, there is
neither marriage nor giving in it.

---

Russell Rowland
Poet & Writer

Russell writes from New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, where he has judged high-school Poetry Out Loud competitions. His work appears in Except for Love: New England Poets Inspired by Donald Hall (Encircle Publications), and Covid Spring, Vol. 2 (Hobblebush Books). His latest poetry book, Magnificat, is available from Encircle Publications.

Photography by Sixteen Miles Out