A small gray kitten in a litter of seven, all others white as snow.
The smoky gray runt stood out like a wolf in place it didn't belong.

Though surrounded by brothers and sisters alike and of course her mom.
I stared at her with an unblinking gaze, to me she looked all alone.

I picked her up and held her close cradled then gave her a name.
From that day on I was never alone, my shadow I gained that day.

She followed me whenever she could, she'd pout when I left her behind.
It gave me joy just to see her there and helped me ease my mind.

I'd talk to her about many things, my work, my friends, my school.
And she would keep the secret safe, when asked she’d play the fool.

At night she would sleep snug in my arms tucked up against my chest.
She kept me safe, as I did her, and soundly we would rest.

As she grew older so did I and we became more close.
And when betrayed by those though dear I trusted her the most.

No mater what I went through in life or how beaten I would get.
She was there to dry my upset tears and bring me back again.

Often when I was with her she would give me happy moods.
Everyday I'd smile and say "What would I do without you?"

Then one day an illness came, bringing her into despair
I held her close and let her know that I was always there.

As she got worse I worried more losing her the thing I feared.
I took her to the vet they said. "Just simply leave her here"

The three days she was not by my side felt like eons long.
I couldn't wait for her to come back, back where she belongs.

When I went there to get her back excitement filled my mind.
I'm going to get her back today she's going to be just fine!

My happiness left me then when I her there laying in her cage.
Unmoving, cold, and all alone, she had passed away.

I had never cried to sleep before especially over a cat.
But she was supposed to be just fine! I was supposed to get her back!

The months drew on the days where long and sometimes I'd forget
I'd look for her, and call for her, remember and regret.

Why had I left her in others care? Why couldn't I help her when she was here?
Why did it feel that it was my fault that my shadow was no longer there?

Alone again with no one there I couldn't help but cry.
Why did I get so attached to her when she would one day die?

I didn't want another cat it'd be too much to bear.
That’s when I traveled to a farm and guess what I found there.

A mother dog six small pups, five with light brown fur.
One of them a white little thing, he reminded me of her.

I picked him up to take a look he barked and fought the restrain.
I held him in my arms so close, and then gave him a name.

A kitten no, a handful yes, and more then not a pain.
Sometimes this hyper little pup would drive me mad, insane!

Not quit, not calm, not weak and not strong, the two just were not the same.
But that was what I wanted to find, I never compare the two names.

He’s still learning to sit down and to not beg and can't stay still long enough to stay.
But his antics and misshapes as messy as they are, place smiles upon my once sad face.

Even when chewing on my things a trouble in everyway.
I can kneel next and hold him close as I so quietly say.
"Who needs the sun when it's always my shadows that manage to brighten my day."