Rainbow Bridge - Poems for Comfort
|
For no heart in all the world is more rateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. For though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn. the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my ears. and wet, For I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and good sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I drew, that my fate was always safest in your hand. |
a puppy, God said, For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is gone. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe for two or three But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me? and (should his stay be brief) you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn. in search of teachers true And from the folk that crowd life's land I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labour vain Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again. "Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done," For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief you'll run. Will you shelter him with tenderness Will you love him while you may And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay. much sooner than you've planned Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. If, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve, In memory of him that you've loved, cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
And pain should keep me from my sleep. Then you must do what must be done, For this last battle can't be won. You will be sad, I understand, Don't let your grief then stay your hand. For this day, more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stand the test. We've had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. Would you want me to suffer? So, When the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me until the end. And hold me firm and speak to me, Until my eyes no longer see. It is a kindness that you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Do not grieve it should be you, Who must decide this thing to do. We've been so close, we two these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. |
In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a barking at the door. Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be, And, sometime, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them... and always will. |
|
|