Shades of Love

You looked at me
     as if I was a person
     as if I was beautiful
     as if I mattered

You, who were to hold my first born
     and smile
          but were torn too soon
               away from life

You, who in my mourning
     were a bright star
          and a friend
               now so far away
                         across the sea

You, who slept at night
     and purred too sweet
          cat dreams
               that only you can have

All of you
     who have touched my life
          with shades of love
     that linger still
          and always will
I give thanks
     and love
          and memories that never die.

NOTE: I can’t remember who the first reference was, but the other were (in this order):