I cannot smile today.
All day,
tears have leaked,
spilled down my face
and under my chin,
a mirror of the rain
pouring outside.
Inside I am mourning
the loss of my feline friend,
and I can’t wait for this overcast day
to end.
Kim M. Russell, 12th January 2026

It’s Monday and, at the dVerse Poets Pub, we are quadrilling with De, who would like us to start the year off with a SMILE. Yes, we are writing poems of exactly 44 words (not counting the title), including one word ‘smile’. #
De has shared smiley quotations, poems and songs, as well as words and phrases we could use.
Oh, Kim, I’m so very sorry. ❤️💔❤️
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Thank you so much, Lisa.
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I hope this is fiction. If not, here’s a big hug as I know the feeling. Yesterday I buried a beautiful little bird my cat had killed. I buried it in the same large planter as another little bird I’d tried to heal, next to the place where my kitty companion of 14 years was buried. My entire backyard is filled with the graves of past loved pets or rescues. Every death was devastating.
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Sadly, it’s not fiction, Judy. Mojo was diagnosed with oral cancer in June and given 1-3months, so we were fortunate to have her this long. Thank you for the much needed hugs.
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So sad to have to mourn… there are so many things to cry for, so I found it hard to smile as well… a loss of a feline friend must be so hard-
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I can’t “like” this one, dear Kim. I’m so, so sorry. 💔
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Oh, Kim. I’m so SO sorry. I’m sure she brought you so many smiles for all those years…but today, I am holding you in my heart.
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Poor little Mojo’s suffering has ended. Sending you heaps of warmth to cushion you in your sorrow.
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Oh Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thinking of you.
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in time memories of him/her will bring many smiles – sorry for losing such a friend
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You can be very sure she is smiling at you, trying to console you. Try be consoled by that thought. You’ll probably notice little signs of her, her letting you know she’ll stay with you until you feel better. Much love from the bottom of Africa for your distress.
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Sending HUGS
Hope you dmile again soon
🎇much love
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Kim, I’m so sorry for your loss and feelings of pain. Losing a pet is much more devastating than others without pets could ever fathom. Hugs your way….
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Sincere condolences, K.
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So sorry for the loss of your kitty. I just had a stray adopt me and she’s so pretty my heart melted!
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Beloved pets are members of the family. Sending hugs your way, dear friend.
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