Looking through old pictures, I feel a warmth. Bud, is that you?
Solar Bud
“Purrrrr …. hey, even I sorta like that one.”
“You in October light last year, remember?”
Blink.
I blink back.
Spectral Bud
“Gah! I’m supposed to be at the Rainbow Bridge, not wearing it!”
“I need cheering up.”
“Purrrrrrrr”
“Well, here’s an unretouched picture.”
Bud the Editing Cat
“Ruhruhruhruh, MEOW! I look regal!”
Bud knows a trick or two
“RAWR, that is so court jester!”
“Uh, how do you know about court jesters?”
“You think I was going to let that Complete Works of Shakespeare just sit there while you were asleep?”
Bud reclining on purple
“I miss us. Lounging around on chilly winter days.”
“Me too.”
“But I’m really always with y’all.”
“We know, but, sigh …”
Bud sees deeply and clearly into the human heart
“You seem sad, troubled. It’s Charlottesville, isn’t it.”
“Yeah … ”
“All the animals at the Rainbow Bridge are upset and want to know, what the heck? We’re all checking on our humans. You were demonstrating for peace, love, and nonviolence in the 60s, amiright?”
“The 60s were way before you were a kitten. So how … ?”
Bud with pizazz
“Oh I went through all your old photo albums while you were napping. Lots of 60s pics, and I was also impressed by the number of cat pictures. Y’all humans need lots more peace, love, and nonviolence and big girlfriend, you’re too activity-limited now to be in demonstrations, or even online as much as before, but your heart still can’t rest.”
“I’m heartsick.”
“The cats where I’m at now had good chances to study their humans for a long time. I mean, you know we’re always watching. Cats know humans are social, they should all get along. So why don’t they? Why are there hate groups? We don’t get it.”
“We and our friends, we don’t get it either, Buddy. We love all humans, and animals too.”
“Well, we’re still watching. Keep trying. Stay hopeful. That’s all I know to say. I have to go, but I’ll be back to check on you.”
Bud begins to fade back to the rainbow bridge
“Please don’t go … I need to tell you we plan to get another cat, I’m catless and forlorn without you.”
“Phsssst. I said I’m always with you.”
“Well, yes, but,”
“Don’t you be lettin’ any new cat scratch my edits! Phsssst.”
Always in our hearts, purrrrrr
“You haven’t changed. Wait, don’t go … ”
“I can’t stay, but I do stay. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.”
August, with gloom
The room cools, the sun slants and glows. Even in the forest, peace and comfort feel far away.
(It may take me some time to publish and answer comments because, eclipse, and I have energy deficits and a giant to-do list.)
I live near a creek in a forest, in close observation and awe of the wildlife outside, as well as the domestic animals of the household. I'm writer Leah T. Alford. I was "catwoods" on this site Catwoods Porch Party, Itchmo Forums for Cats and Dogs, and a few other sites that may or may not exist now. I have now published a book, and the publisher wanted it called Catwoods. I never expected the book title to be the same as my username, so for now I've changed the username to Leah. For more info, click the "About" button above.
Catwoods Porch Party 
I love the colorful blanket prop. Really pops against the black fur.
Thank you catsdogsharmony, I’m happy you enjoyed the pictures! I tend to choose colors I think might enhance the cats, when I’m looking for blankies that will be comfortable for them.
I always wonder why humans argue and fight we only have one life here on earth make the most of it. Such a gorgeous puss brings tears to my eyes why we have to lose something so precious to us.x😿😻💕
Thank you chriscatmeow, for your sympathy and insights and solidarity. Why indeed do humans waste their chances for harmony and peace. Bud would be pleased that you think he is gorgeous; we are missing our big beautiful boy so much, but I know they don’t live as long as we do, so I tell myself that; I’m missing so many.
Yes, it’s a sad world now, isn’t it? Natural disasters and disasters of our making. I’m glad our Rainbow Bridge animals are trying to intervene. We need all the help we can get.
I agree things are so sad now. Since I have a little age on me I had expected to see improvements that now don’t seem to be there. Sometimes I hope, or at least tell myself, that things may be better than they seem because positive changes don’t always make the news. That may be illusion though. Much work yet to be done.
Love this one Leah – so sweet and intimate and thoughtful. Made me cry. But I also LOVED Bud’s comment, “I’m supposed to be AT the Rainbow Bridge, not wearing!”
Thank you airgid, I’m very happy that you enjoyed it and I appreciate your thoughts so much. I wasn’t sure about this one, the ghost conversation was sort of new to me.
Sweet Bud. And sweet banter. Miss you here. 😊
Bud and I thank you so much, Robin.
I have a photo of my beloved Friday (19915 – 2013) behind my desk… he is peering out of the laundry basket. He was my best friend for all those years. But fortunately two other cats insisted on adopting me. Never forgotten, but life goes on.
I’m so sorry you lost Friday, RMW, and thanks for your kind words. I know new cats are a comfort, and I will soon have an announcement to make along those lines. They do stay with you as you continue on.
Bud was a beautiful cat. They are good teachers.
Thank you Lavinia, Bud will be pleased that you said he is beautiful! You are right, we often rely on feline wisdom. All the best, Leah
A lovely tribute to a wise and beautiful feline. He was unique and has trained you well. mademoiselle Colette and madame Simone, oh yes, our human as well… ❤
Thank you for your kind words about our Bud kitty, mademoiselle Colette and madame Simone. Indeed, Bud did train us, we learned so much from him!
Thank you. We learn much from the cats if we pay attention. The human
Xxxxxx ☺
Xoxoxo and thank you!
Beautiful post!
Thank you, I’m happy you liked it!
I have cats who watch over the current crew and who are waiting over the Rainbow Bridge for me. I will be thrilled when we all can be one happy family.
I know you must miss them every day, catsworking. We have many there at the Rainbow Bridge and they are always in our thoughts. They have that kind of effect on people. All the best, Leah
It goes to show you that they are always with us!
Thank you ExclusivelyCats, I really hope they are. I know Bud has been always on my mind. Best wishes, Leah
What a thoughtful post, Leah! I think there may be a small positive side to the march – these awful Neo-Nazis were always in the shadows but now we know that we really have to get rid of hate in this country. As for Bud, I am in empathy with you today. My car is being serviced and I tidied my filing cabinet. I finally shredded all the veterinary bills and notes for Mrs. Stripe and Zhenny but kept their vaccination discs. Toffee has only seen the vet three times in 13 years – and is becoming a demanding only child. I am sure that Mrs. Stripe is flirting with Bud at the Rainbow Bridge. 🐱😻
You are right Kerry about how we have become better informed now and we know there is much to do. People are energized, exchanging ideas; there have been gatherings in support of love and peace. I’m so sorry about Mrs. Stripe, it is so hard to let go … you did make me laugh about her flirting with Bud! I’m betting Bud would like that, he can be a very full of himself sort of cat and will love the attention, LOL.
Mrs. Stripe and Bud, sittin’ in a tree…
Bwahahahaha, thanks for the great laugh Kerry, made my day!
🐱
What a handsome boy. This touched me as I remember the animals I’ve loved who are no longer here in body but — I hope, and sometimes feel — in spirit. In solidarity with you. Thanks.
Thank you Cate, for your kind and encouraging words. I am sorry about the losses of your animals. I have many at the Rainbow Bridge also and still miss them. It’s good to hear from you and others in solidarity!
Bud is wise. Yes, to new cat. Hope is not dead, just submerged. Love.
Thank you Mollie, Bud is very pleased that you think he is wise! New cat is going to come about somehow, maybe not quickly, but in the future for sure. I am cautiously hopeful, too. Thank you for your encouraging message! ❤ and {{hugs}} in return.
I’m often looking through old photos and come across pics of our kitties who have passed on, and it makes us sad and nostalgic. But at least we have to photos to see them and remember them — that makes us happy.
Tim, we also find the photos of our past kitties helpful in a finding a comfort, it has longing in it but still helps us keep sweet memories. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
These events are so awful, but I am feeling heartened by seeing the number of people (and cats!) who share my sorrow and who want our world to be a more peaceful and tolerant place. Thank you for this post.
Thank you TextileRanger, we too are finding some solace in the numbers of people who are standing up for peaceful, inclusive ways and a better world. Thank you for your encouraging message, it really does help.
Leah and Bud,
Thank you for letting me tap into your dialogue. Your candid coloquy is very touching and authentic. I loved it.
❤ ^-.-^
Thank you Lauren, for such a kind comment. We appreciate it and send ❤ and {{hugs}} in return.