Look Away, a poem for strays

Little feet scurrying across a darkened street;
Mama and baby can’t find enough to eat.
Ribs poking out through fur; we’re hungry, can’t you see?
Look away, look away, look away from me.

Little black tom cat, battle scars everywhere.
No time to stop and rest, it’s a jungle out there.
Puffy jowls make you look tough.
Look away, look away, it's easy enough.

Greasy oil makes her coat dull,
But it’s warm in the engine when cold winds blow.
Grimy fur, bag of bones, an uncomfortable glance will do…
Look away, look away, no kind touch for you.

Runny eyes, racking cough; what could it be?
Feline leukemia or maybe FIP?
Look for a healthy pet, that is what they say. No home for you little one, I’m sorry.
Look away, look away.

They say, "Must you find your meals this way?
Always into my trash, go away damn cat."
Or, "That cat is feral, it's not nice at all. Just you wait, it will scratch you!"
Look away, look away.

I really don’t like being alone, we just speak different languages, you and I. I’ll blink my eyes at you. Rub against the tree. Then you will know. It’s a peace sign, don't you see? I’m slowly dying, and I do feel so alone. Inside me there’s a pretty cat, give me a chance, then you will know.
Look away, look away, look away from me. I see the tears in your eyes, look away from me.

For all the strays whose suffering fall on blind eyes and unwilling hearts.
By, Jessica Sharfstein

About us
RAIN Special Events
Available Pets
Current Special Cases
Financial Information
Mission Statement
Moving, Good Homes Wanted: Humor?
Success Stories
Support RAIN
Volunteer Information sheet
Where do they come from?

Cats
Cat Health Information
Cat's Prayer
Little Known Feline Diseases
Adult Cats Are Great Companions
CARE Program
Cat Facts
Cat Humor
Cat Information
Cats and plants
Cats On Parade
Declawing Information
Elliot: the Life of a feral cat
Foster Home Pictures
Free Kitten, not really
From stray to family member, a kitten's story
In Harm's Way
Keep Kitty Inside Please
Look Away, a poem for strays
Rescue to Show Cat
Scratching Alternatives
Stories about Cats
Stray Kitten Softens A Heart
The Chistmas Kitten
The Second Cat

Dogs
Dear Dog
Dog Humor
Dog Information
Dogs On Parade
How Could You? A dog's letter

General Information
Financial Help for Sick and Injured Pets
Pet Rules
Alumni letters
Animal testing
Cat or Dog, which is best for you
Helpful links
Is a Cat the right pet for me?
Is a dog or puppy right for me?
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Information
Newsletters
Our Veterinarians
Poem For Rescuers
Rescue Contacts and links
Shop and Support RAIN
The Journey
The Rainbow Bridge
Your Pet's Plea