Cat Comfort

The Good Listening Project - Jenny Hegland - Cat Comfort poem.JPG

“I miss my four cats back home,” she said. “Want to see pictures of them?!”

She was a graduate student in biotechnology. She explained that the program consumed her life.

She saw other students studying abroad, posting pictures of travel and fun, but there was no room for that in her life.

“There’s Little Brother, who has a good temper; Twist Roll (closest translation in English), who is grumpy; Lulu, who’s grumpy too; and Herb Jelly (another translation), who is shy and clever.”

She showed me pictures of each one. “When I am stressed, even just looking at the pictures of them helps me calm, settle, and relax. Even when they scratch me, I still love them!”

Listener Poet Jenny Hegland

Georgetown University Medical Center

March 2020

we all find comfort

in our own ways;

a respite from

our stressful days

mine comes from

four cats at home;

reminding I am

never alone

soft fur, swiping paws

peaceful purr, clenching jaws

warm cuddles, clever nooks

night snuggles, grumpy looks

they may not seem friendly

to others — these four,

but they’re my little family

and so much more!

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