“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
Cat Comfort
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!
