Seven Adults Cheering on a Friday Afternoon in Israel

A kitten was dying on the hot sidewalk. 

She was grey and very soft. 

My friend and I were fair-skinned and female

Wandering an unfamiliar town 

Called Tsfat.

But 

This kitten. 

We dropped our purses and watched her drink 

Water from our bottle cap. 

The rabbi was old and very grey

Walking home on this almost-Sabbath

Sharp-quick steps on the stone 

But 

This kitten. 

All three of us watch her, our heads in a circle. 

Her ribs expand against her skin 

And collapse. The women are many 

And covered and grocery-laden

Prayer calls calling them home

But 

This kitten. 

Seven of us now in desperation 

Whisper sweet to her coaxingly. 

This little cat. A little life going too soon. 

Only a cat. Only a life going too soon. 

 And why, when wars and money and oil and honor 

Beleaguer us do we care about this soft, grey thing. 

Heat bears down and time ticks out 

But I’m not about to go away. 

The rabbi stands immoveable 

And the women stand transfixed. 

And the cat stands up

And walks.  

© Emily Brown, 2013

Kitten in Sibi Mali
Photo by Guaka
from Wikimedia Commons