Hello my dear loves,

‘Tis the month of lovey-doveyness! Not that I need an excuse to give (or receive) affection but it is nice to have some extra bonus love floating about.

But before I get to my Valentine’s gift for you I know you want to know about how I’m feeling. The answer is mostly good. My anemia has gotten a bit worse then a bit better while my other bloodwork is stable. But I got a bit backed up in the bowels I’m sorry to say. And did you know what they do to cats with constipation? All I’ll say is that it starts with “en” and ends with “ema”. That day was not my most dignified.

And then people wonder why I’ve had moments of adorable “assertiveness” with some of the other cats like Anka and Patty. As far as I’m concerned if my butt isn’t feeling so good the best way to solve the problem is to kick some other cat’s butt. Share the joy as it were. I know you understand my dear friends and I know you’re not really surprised that my mop is really the mane of a lion. A small peachy lion.

But enough of that. Happy Valentine’s Day! I do so love that there is an official love holiday because I love love love life and the lobby and YOU! I was going to commission some personalized conversation hearts for you all (“feed me” and “head bonk” were shoe-ins…”damp eye crust kiss” wouldn’t fit) .

So instead of sugar I got you something more nourishing for your soul – poetry! My old bud Pablo Neruda wrote a sonnet that I thought was just a perfect expression of my love for you. I hope you like it!

Love Sonnet CI

I do not love you as if you were a salt cod or fountain
or the arrow of swift water that fountain spews off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved
in secret between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the cushion never seen
but carries in itself the soft of other blankets;
thanks to your love a certain solid skritchy
risen from your hand moves gently on my body.
I love you without knowing how or when or from where.
I love you straightforwardly with some complexities and pride;
So I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist nor you
so close that my head on your lap…my head
so close that you nap too as I fall asleep.

Happy Valentine’s Day my wonderful friends! I love you!

Yours
Jonathan