Lilli Honi's Tribute

First we named you PJ, it became Lilli Honi
You were always my baby, how you depended on me.
We sheltered you, fed you, tried to keep you from harm.
We loved you, protected you; you were safe in my arms.

You were the innocent one; the baby of ten,
With your Mama and sisters, you were safe in our den.
How you loved when we called, how you loved being brushed,
How you loved all your toy-toys, how you loved being touched.

And we loved all your gestures, how you stood on tiptoes,
How you'd bite Mommy's fingers, how you'd rub with your nose.
You'd always greet us so happily, seeing you was a joy,
You loved tuna and catnip and chasing your toy.

The patio that we gave you, seemed to please you all so,
How you'd bathe in the warm sun; then through the window you'd go.
Mommy felt you were safe; I'd always keep you that way,
Then enter the virus, and God took you away.

You were the last one to get it, I guess you got too scared,
The others all had it; how I'd hoped you'd be spared.
But I guess, my Little Honi, you felt too alone
Ten days in the hospital was too long from your home.

And although you kept fighting with all you could give,
You conquered the virus, but lost your will to live.
We'd visit you often, we were there twice a day,
And we'd watch you for hours, we watched you slip away.

If I had one more chance to do it over again,
I'd get you your shots, then our nine would be ten.
And now my poor baby who suffered so much pain,
Who I sheltered her whole life, lies alone in the rain.