Compartmentalized

How long do you keep the cat in the box
After you're certain he's dead?
There's always the chance we might hear a meow
Despite all the hope that has fled

To open the box is to end any doubt
And set the way forward in stone
To shoulder the blame for what we have done
And for which we may never atone

But there's always that chance the cat isn't dead
As long as the box remains closed
That all of our sins may yet be expunged
And the cat safely roused from repose

So how long do we keep the cat in the box
And pray that he may not be dead?
How long do we hold to hope's bitter lie
And treasure the tears left unshed?

~Tonin, December 4 2017