THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling writes: 

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied with in seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not? why not indeed!!" (The wondrous poetpic is by Jack McCabe, who I hope forgives me for scribbling all over it with Photoshop)

WHEN SHADOW LEFT

South Austin slept.She had been a thin sentinel on Lansing

Neighbors fed her .She used to stand and stare as cars slipped by

My beloved had expressed a need for a cat since our last had died

So I sought out this slim shadow /asked neighbors who owned her

No one.(she belonged to no one).So we spoke to those who fed her

offering them visitation rights.They accepted-and actually came around to visit!

Shadow was old,frail,with a thin skeleton underneath her fur

that suggested she was not long for this world.We overfed her and she grew.

Beloved loved her and spent time with her Shadow.Until this morning

when i walk outside to find her sleeping.At peace and in rest.Gone .Dreaming

Tears and farewells later,laid her in our garden.She will have even warmer dreams

Now the grieving.