I found this poem when I was cleaning out an old file cabinet. Madora was Sam’s mother.  Only Sam and one of his sisters, who was adopted by our friends, Peter and Fay, remain alive seventeen years later. This is my tribute to Madora.

You must have been
so scared.
A baby yourself,
the Vet said later
when you were safe.
Abandoned.
Alone with distended belly.
Then, not alone.
Responsible for four
new lives.
Instinct screaming to
protect, defend, feed.
Shelter under a
building near lights.
Insistent barking of a dog.
Savior in a frightening form.
The barking brought discovery.
Temptation of needed food
too strong to resist.
Immediate instinct to
turn to the babies and
offer your nipples.
Hesitant, but so hungry,
the little ones gave up
the shelter of their lair
and went to you.
What did you feel,
Madora?
Primal trust that we
would care for you
and your babies?
Relief that you could 
share responsibility
for those little lives?
You gave yourself
and your brood to
our care.
You, who must have fought 
to keep them alive
when you were alone.
Sammy, Rambo, Princess, Mini.
Safety, warmth, food.
The babies grew and
Thrived.
You could sleep
without fear.
We helped, but you
were their saving grace.
Through trials we
will never know,
you brought them to us.
Mama who adored her kittens.
Madora.