for John Debacker
He’s been called the cat crusader,
a real Steve Irwin of feline and pet rescue.
All kinds of animals tattooed to his arms.
Shown on local news we see him do
unexpected safeguards for kittens
trapped on Wantagh and Meadowbrook parkways.
Carrying nothing more than his net
and pet carrier.

At only thirty-two, he climbs up an electrical pole
saves an iguana.

CPR and TNR are some
of this super hero’s powers.

John’s not afraid, cold winter days
he reaches in car engines with such ease
retrieves frightened furry lives hiding inside.

Not just cats, possums, ducks, rabbits, raccoons…
even George, the squirrel released from the jaws of a bear trap
are some of his recorded testimonies.

Thank You’s pour in from all over the world
over and over on Social Media.

True gratitudes inside the innocent faces
minutes, hours, days after rescues.
Felt inside every recorded story
he shares of feathered
or whiskered reservations.

John Debacker is dubbed Debest
inside my book.
Long Island’s own St. Francis of Assisi.

Each critter, he redeems a second chance,
going places many of us would never try.

His cape’s invisible
but his strong capabilities
saves animals along with
his time, gentle voice, and quick-acting hands.
All of this done with his greatest superpower,
his heart.