Grendel Poem by Jeffrey Stultz

Grendel

Nameless and unloved.
I found him at the county pound.
We brought him home with toys and food,
Bright eyed and playful
He charmed us with his kitten’s wiles.

But it was not to last:
For he grew sick and passed into
another life.

In my bemused grief,
As salty tears welled up;
I reflected that this tiny life
Was not in vain.

The light of life shone in his eyes,
And kindled in us the spark of love.

However brief the season,
Befiore he returned to Mother’s arms:
He was neither nameless, nor unloved.

1999