The cat sat
on the mat.
And you made funny voices
as you read me bedtime stories.
And you gave me that extra slice of cake
even when mom said I couldn't have it.
And when you threw the ball,
I caught it and threw it back
and we could go on for hours.
And I cuddled into you
as I longed for it to be like that forever.

But now I pull my hair out all night
with no time for bedtime stories.
And no one is there to sneak me a slice of cake
when the world becomes too much.
And the ball sits on its own
where we left it in the driveway
and it's been like that for years.
And I cuddle into the pillow
as the tears drop from my face.
And I can't help but wonder:
couldn't the cat
have just stayed on the mat?