Michelle's Poems

Poem 1, From Above...
~
As I wait for you on the other side,
I recall my life with joy and pride.
For memories you gave, for all you taught
My heart fairly bursts; I cherish each thought.

For you tried always to teach me right,
But when I erred, you said, "It's all right.
Maybe the next time - or maybe not."
Still you loved me, and soon forgot
All of the troubles and all of the strife
A bull-headed dog can bring into a life.

I want you to know, as I wait for you here,
No dog ever had a home so dear.
From beginning to end my life was pure bliss,
You made it so, and it's you that I miss.

Although I wait here patiently,
Knowing one day you'll come to me,
I wish for you now to find a new pup,
One you can cuddle and help to raise up.
One who'll learn what's right from wrong,
Ever protected by arms so strong.

I'll love and miss you 'til we meet again;
But just for now, you need a new friend.
It isn't right that I should be
The only one your delight to see.

So much love you have to give
To a dog needing joy and a reason to live.
Love freely given, I've heard them say,
Will come back tenfold to you some day.

So for my sake, as I wait here above,
Choose a new one to bask in your love.
Be it a puppy, or be it full grown
Find it today and make it your own.

No matter if old, and toothless and gray;
Or if a young sprout just making its way.
A happy and sweet one it should be
To share your kisses and romp with glee.

One to experience joy in living-
There by your side, loyal and giving.
And so, loving master, hear what I now pray:
Find in your sorrow some joy today.
~

Poem 2, Beyond the Rainbow.
~
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
~

Poem 3, I'm There.
~
Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!
~

Poem 4, Precious Memories
~
They say memories are golden,
well, maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us
one by one,
the chain will link again.
~

Poem 5, If It Should Be...
~
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot 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 for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
~

Poem 6, A Done Day..
~
Little one lie down your head
The day is closed, it's time for bed!
The gentle winds blow to and fro
And all of nature seems to know...

That day has fled and all around
The evening comes without a sound.
A glorious calm has settled deep
Upon the day. It's time for sleep.

May dreams of fields and running free
Fill every moment of your sleep.
May peaceful rest bring you this day
To yonder shore beyond the gate.

I'll linger here awhile just yet,
But you go on, my loving pet.
T'is time for us to part our way,
Until the coming of the day...

When we again will meet once more
Beyond Life's Gateway, on yonder shore.
But for a time we both must wait
On either side God's shining gate.

And should you see me crying there
It's not because I think unfair
The shortness of the days we shared
T'is only that I loved and cared.

So go my gentle, little one
With all my love into the sun
I'll join you on another day
When all earth's cares shall pass away.
~

Poem 7, God's Called.
~
Don't grieve for me, for now I am free
I'm following paths God made for me
I took his hand, I heard him call...
Then turned, and bid farewell to all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to sing, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found my peace....at close of day.

And if my parting left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened... deep with sorrow,
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full...I've savoured much.
Good friends, good times...a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wants me now... He set me free!
~

Poem 8, Do Not...
~
Don't stand by my grave and weep
For I'm not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumns rain
When you awaken in mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.

Of quiet birds in circle flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.
~

Poem 9, At the End of Time.
~
I am a dog up in age and wise in so many ways,
but there was one thing I never knew…
What it would mean for me to leave you,
My bones are old… I know my time is through.
You are my master and I your friend,
and our time on earth would not so shortly end.
My eyes grow tired, my heart grows dim,
how you have loved me… the times we have shared,
no one else’s love is worthy of compare.
The pillow fights… the tug of wars of days that are long since past,
the times I’ve run with you down hill, going much too fast.
With my head upon your lap, I know
I must cross over… and I can't come back.
Your hands on me, and the sweet silence of your tears,
Are slowly comforting all my fears.
The time has come, dear heart, I must go,
you will remember me always, I know.
I will wait for you on distant shore
a place called Rainbow Bridge in folklore.,
I heard many things about heaven, but I was not sure,
until this very moment in time,
when all is frozen…and your world is being left behind.
In just a twinkling of an eye I'm free,
and my pain is but a distant memory,
I glance ahead, so that I might see
All the beauty and hope, that encompasses me,
I Glance back for you once more to see,
and as I do I hear you say
"Run free, my dearest friend and play,
for we will be together again someday.
I will see you when my time is at end,
And once again, we’ll be best of friends."
~

Poem 10, The Night the Stranger Came.
~
There was an air about the house that just was not routinely the same
it was early evening Just beginning to rain,
The night the stranger came.
I knew something was being arranged, for I heard
in the background the mention of my name.
Curled in front of the fireplace where my body stays warm,
After thirteen years I am a little bit worn.
I am feeling peaceful, Yet a little strange,
For I know this stranger will be taking away my pain.
A comforting hand, I could hear them weep,
as I lay here quietly going to sleep.
Thoughts rushed by me of runs on the beach,
or laying in the sunshine soaking up the heat.
A winter walk in the woods, Snow under my feet,
These memories I will always keep.
But I am leaving you now,
I am almost sound asleep,
On my way up to dog heaven retreat.
The pain in my body no longer remains,
Thanks to the night the stranger came.
~

Poem 11, Tribute to the Pekins. (This is dedicated to Akki and Moonlight. This is written and Copyrighted by Tina L. (www.geocities.com/raptoria98/)
~
I know your heavy heart is sad,
within your eye a bitter tear.
As you remember all you had
with one you once had held so dear.

I know it hurts right now,
but if you'll just hang on.
With time, the day will come
that the pain will be gone.
If you let it keep you down,
Surely, you'll never last.
If you just hang on a while,
Someday, the pain will pass.

Breathe deep, seek peace
For now you’re at rest.
I was new at this…
I’m sorry

Akki, my boy
I tremble inside
To think of the horror
You had to abide.

Moonlight, my darling
Please be at peace.
I tried so hard to be the best you could have
Now it is eternal release…

I never wanted you to pass
At such a tender age
I wanted your lives forever to last,
But now you’re free of life’s cage…
~

Poem 12,Mr. Prickles.
~
I didn’t mean for your life to end,
I thought I was doing well…
I wish that you were not so gone,
I’m sorry I might’ve made your life hell…

Please, don’t slip way from me,
I really, truly tried
I didn’t do it right I see,
Because right now you starting to die.

I did my best and I now know
That it was not enough,
So right now, you’re about to go,
Please, remember some stuff.

I want you to remember
The times when we had fun
The hide and seek and tickly,
As you leave this life for another one…
~

Poem 13, My Message To You.
~
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.
~

Poem 14, I Miss You...
~
Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.
~

Poem 15, God Knew
~
God knew that you were suffering.
That the hills were hard to climb
So He gently closed your eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine."
In tears we watched you sinking
We watched you fade away
Our hearts were surely broken
You fought so hard to stay

But when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful, free from pain
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home...
~

Poem 16, Should You...
~
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memories' garden
With happy days we've known.

In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When faded, the lilacs blue;
In earl' Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched
Along the way,
Will be a hallowed spot.

I'll hear your bark, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping paws
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
One thing I'll have to do,
Walk slowly down that long path
For soon I'll follow you.

I want to know each step you take
So I may take the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.
~

Poem 17, Faery Tales
~
Faeries sit upon the flowers
Above them, the mighty oak tree towers
Seemingly without a care
For the glistening raindrops in the air.

The elves pause in their cheery flight
Chasing shooting stars by night,
Happy laughter echoes around
Fading away to peaceful sounds.

Away in the mountains, the hammers ring
Upon the anvils, the metal sings
The stories and songs and legends heard
Carried on by wing of bird.

But around the world, when night doth fall
Sleepy murmurs are answered by whispered call
Close your eyes and welcome sleep
May your dreams remain wonderful for you to keep.
~

Poem 18, Words
~
Words can tell what hearts divine
This most romantic time of year:
So will you be my valentine?

I'll be yours if you'll be mine
Till golden moon meets midnight drear.
For words can tell what hearts divine

When air's perfume and water's wine,
And cupids hover at one's ear:
So will you be my valentine?

And do we feelings dare define
In phrases adamant and clear?
For words can tell what hearts divine,

And souls can step across a line
On days when angels wait to cheer:
So will you be my valentine?

Ah, love! Let love this one day shine
On fancies lush and passions sheer!
For words can tell what hearts divine:
So will you be my valentine?
~

Poem 19, Love
~
Love comes through the eyes that see
And through the ears that hear,
For people are quite beautiful,
And words make feelings clear.

Love comes through the hands that touch
With unabashed affection,
For only skin-to-skin can love
Maintain its true direction.

Love comes through the tastes and smells
Of fresh and well-cooked food,
For in the gift of nourishment
Is much else that is good.

But though love comes through senses five,
Love comes from the heart,
For there resides the greater love
Of which ours is a part.
~

Poem 20, Will You?
~
Will you be my Valentine?
I know that I am yours.
You are like a tossing sea
And I am like your shores.

You are like an endless wave
And I your waiting sand.
And I will wait forever as
You come and smooth my hand.

I will wait forever, yet
You are a part of me.
I hold you in my arms, while you
Come to me endlessly.

Will you be my Valentine?
I know that I am yours.
I love you with a love that yearns
To be your golden shores.
~

Poem 21, Pain...
~
A sharpened sword slams through my heart,
it's the pain I feel... when we're apart.
I long for you more, with each passing day,
Missing your touch, the things you say.

I crave your sweet words, your knowing touch,
the things that keep me awake so much,
there is so much more to my missing you than I say here,
And it's your heart, close to mine, that I hold dear...
~

Poem 22, The Golden Queen
~
The little Queen all golden
Flew hissing at the sea
To stop each wave
Her clutch to save,
She ventured bravely.

As she attacked the sea in rage,
A holderman came nigh
Along the sand, fishnet in hand
And saw the Queen midsky.

He stared at her in wonder
For often he'd been told
That such as she
Could never be
Who hovered there, bright gold.

He saw her plight and quickly
He looked up the cliff he faced.
He saw a cave above the wave
In which her eggs he placed.

The little Queen all golden
Upon his shoulder stood
Her eyes all blue
Glowed of her true
Undying gratitude.
~

Poem 23, Flying
~
Love.
A single word
A single emotion
That somehow sends
Millions of tingling vibrations
Down one's spine.

An empty hollow
Buried deep inside
Is what is filled
When love comes nigh.

Each step
You take
Down a special path
Takes you closer
Towards true love.

When you reach
The end of that path,
You will find a cliff.
And it's here.
That you know
That you are...

Flying on the wings of love.
~

Poem 24, Leprechauns
~
At the end of the rainbow
There sits a shining pot.
Filled to the brim with golden pieces
The type that’s worth a lot.

Leprechauns dance through their routines
Turns and twists with merry bliss
Clothed in green, a happy scene
Before your eyes unfolds.

If you reach the rainbow
And this pot do you find,
Make sure you ask quite nicely,
And your rewards may be divine.
~

Poem 25, May I?
~
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and living light.
I want to go
I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
~

Poem 26, A Witch's Chant
~
From the shadows of the pool
Dark as midnight, thick as gruel
Come my nymphs, and you shall be
Silent images of me

Suck the honey from my lips
Dance upon my finger tips
When the darkness tolls the hour
I shall have you in my power.

Fast upon sprits all
Listen for our whispered call
Whistling kettle, tinkling bell
Weave your web and spin your spell.
~

Poem 27, Love Between Two.
(Co-written with poetic dream)
~
Words can mean
So many things,
And this poem
Is meant for two.

Love can heal...
yet love can hurt.
A sharpened blade
Through a lover's heart.

But as I said
Love can heal,
And can help
A person feel
Once more.

The pleasure and happiness,
Derived from love...
The way life suddenly seems
So much more worth living.

When in love,
Time seems to freeze,
That moment
To remember
Forever.

When talking,
Time freezes and
You make me smile,
When I thought I was
A wreck...

Your love,
Your personality,
Helps me
When I am down.

My life would be empty
without you in it.
We might be so far apart,
But my love
will never go.
It wont vanish in thin air,
It will be as strong,
It will last like
Strong scented
Flowers.

As I am yours
And you are mine.
~
Dedicated to Horned & KittE
~

Poem 28, Unheard Music.
~
The sweetest notes among the human heart-strings are dull with rust;
The sweetest chords, adjusted by the angels, are clogged with dust;
We pipe and pipe again our dreary music upon the self-same strains,
While sounds of crime, and fear, and desolation, come back in sad refrains.

On through the world we go, an army marching with listening ears,
Each longing, sighing, for the heavenly music he never hears;
Each longing, sighing, for a word of comfort, a word of tender praise,
A word of love, to cheer the endless journey of Earth's hard, busy days.

They love us, and we know it; this suffices for reason's share.
Why should they pause to give that love expression with gentle care?
Why should they pause? But still our hearts are aching with all the gnawing pain
Of hungry love that longs to hear the music, and longs and longs in vain.

We love them, and they know it; if we falter, with fingers numb,
Among the unused strings of love's expression, the notes are dumb.
We shrink within ourselves in voiceless sorrow, leaving the words unsaid,
And, side by side with those we love the dearest, in silence on we tread.

Thus on we tread, and thus each heart in silence its fate fulfils,
Waiting and hoping for the heavenly music beyond the distant hills.
The only difference of the love in heaven from love on earth below Is:
Here we love and know not how to tell it, and there we all shall know.
~

Poem 29, Betrayal.
~
Cold, biting silence.
A melody to my ears
The backwash of the angry hurt of violence
“Betrayal.” Is the word that one will hear.

When others enjoy
Sick fun at my expense
Regardless of whether it was a stupid ploy
Or a story made to keep me in suspense.

What matters is the blatant fact
Is that you knew that it would hurt.
A couple swords right through my back
…A stunt that’s lower than dirt.

I’m not one to have
People take advantage of my emotions.
Sure, go ahead, and have your laughs,
Try to cause a commotion.

The seconds will turn to minutes
The minutes, from then, to hours
Don’t ask forgiveness. I will not give it.
Hours to days, to weeks, maybe months
Nobody messes with my emotions.
~

Poem 30, Lady Luck's Been A-Visiting.
~
I’m lucky that
Death doesn’t surround me
Everywhere I turn
Like it might’ve in Auschwitz.

I’m lucky that
I am free to be who I am
Proud of my nationality,
Friends, and religion.

I’m lucky that
I’m safe from wars,
Worrying about relatives
Dying on the battlefields
Or of starvation, or of exhaustion.

I’m lucky that
The problems are less
The homelessness, poverty, pain,
Has decreased now.

I’m lucky that
I live in a world
Where everyone,
Regardless of sex, age,
Nationality, religion
Can be free.
~

Poem 31, Wishes
~
We wish we could have told you,
In words you'd understand,
We wanted you to stay with us.
This wasn't what we'd planned.

We wish somehow to tell you,
How empty we now feel.
A part of us went with you,
A part that time can't heal.

We wish we'd once more hear you,
In your distant, grumbling slur
To hold your head on my lap again
And stroke your whitened fur.

We wish we had you back again,
To fill this empty space.
But one day we'll be together
In a far, far better place.
~

Poem 32, Special Friend
~
I lost a special friend today
the kind you can't replace,
and looking at his empty bed
I still can see his face.

I see the endless energy
the sparkling puppy eyes,
Not the tired, fragile friend
I had to bid goodbye.

I know he's in a special place
our Lord has for such friends,
Where meadows, fields & flowers
help make them strong and whole again.

I remember how he'd run to me
to play his favorite puppy game,
And how his ears would perk right up
When he heard me call his name.

But as those precious years went by
And we both aged and grew,
I'd find him often slowing down
But-we had still so much to do.

Easter stands out in my mind
As he would always find the eggs,
The kids would have their baskets full
And he'd be there to beg.

Then there was the Christmas tree
with lots of candy canes,
As he devoured all he could
Surely, hoping it'd still look the same!

He did his guard dog duty well
Each time the doorbell rang,
Strangers surely couldn't see
My gentle friend--behind those fangs.

I've noticed in the recent times
His ears were not as sharp,
Where is that running ball of fur
The years have shown their mark.

He started sleeping next to me
Was this his special clue,
Because he felt the end was near
I only wish I knew.

My Chevy was a special dog
I know he gave his best,
But as I looked deep into his eyes
I knew it was time, for his to rest.

It will truly be a struggle
I don't know how I'll face each day,
I have to let him go--I know
But in my heart he'll always stay.

This special place our Lord has made
Health and strength, wait for him there,
So with my very special friend
I'm sending all my prayers.

I know he's watching over me
He'll be with me when I cry,
So with one more kiss on his beloved head
I told my Chevy Dog goodbye.
~

Poem 33, Puppy's Paws
~
Thirteen years of puppy paws moved outside today.
Inside my heart is breaking,
The light of my Life - Chevy, has gone away.

I held his head, kissed his blurry eyes, and said "I Love You, Pup"
With gentle hands and heavy heart, I released his soul to God,
Crying for his spirit to be free.
Never dreamed it would hurt so much,
Guess I wasn't thinking much of Me.

But he must be missing something,
He left his paws upon my heart.
Kind reminders of the time we had together,
I never wanted him to be the first to part.

They tug as fiercely as the shoestrings he once played with;
The tug of wars together, the one's I let him win.
The "tennies", the toys, all the things he loved speak about his passing
and I fall apart again.

Those little puppy "grunts" and kisses seem so far away.
I cry: "What was I thinking?
I said it'd be OK."

I said; "I'll be alright without you, If you really have to go.
No need for you to fret or worry,
we had our chance to love each other so."

Our final road together remains yet to be seen.
Puppy paws can be so gentle,
the pain they leave in passing, so mean.

"I'll hold them safely in my heart", I tell Him;
"but I'll let them run at will.
When we cross the Bridge together,
I know they will be still.”
~

Poem 34, Emigration
~
As the car drove down the highway
Packed full and complete to the wall
I listened to the cry of the lonely gull
I still remember that warm day in May.

We followed behind the moving van
My old home had plenty of memories
From the times when I was young and small
To the times I could put my hair up, feeling older and tall.

I pressed my forehead against the windowpane
And thought of all the fun and games
Of my old friends, I’ll miss them all
But we’ll meet again some day.
~

Poem 35, Untitled
~
I see your eyes,
one final glance as you look back at me,
and we both know it is time.
Although I swore
I would never have to let you go
It's a promise I cannot keep. I need to live
and you need to grow.
My heart folds back onto itself
And I just bend my knees and lower my center
To withstand the buffet of the winds
That will blow by me,
and through me
Without you standing there to shelter me.
The tether is cut,
and you are free to fly
and I lose an anchor,
and my cheeks burn,
from the icy wind
and the few tears that sneak past the wall
That I am leaning on
so that I can stand
and watch you go.
And someday soon I think
I will find a haven
Where I can cry the tears
And let the salt water cleanse the wounds
So they can begin to heal
But now is not the time.
One hand raised
I salute you
With a wave of good-bye
Wishing you all the blessings of this earth
And when we meet again
it won't be the same
But we will always know
How much we loved
and trusted
and shared
Victories, losses, adventures
and just the passage of time.
Look back no more
Eyes to the future
And I will just stand here
and watch you go.
~

Poem 36, If...
~
I’ve done a lot of thinking
And I hope I understand
The confusion.
The fear.
The boredom.
Should you decide that you are tired
Of this aging, mortal coil
Your life is yours to do what you wish.

If it comes to be
That you’ve come to a decision
On what you wish to do
After thinking.
And considering
What heart-shattering impact
This will have
On everyone that knows you.

If it is that you decide
To leave this plane and die
I will sit and bow my head.
Then sigh, and begin to cry.
Should you release your soul
You will not go alone.
For part of me will go with you
When your soul decides to roam…
~

Poem 37, Time to Say Goodbye
~
You lay in my lap with your brown eyes looking up at me.
We both knew this day would come.
As I run my hands through your coat, you let out a low sigh.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You've been my best friend, the one who has seen it all with me.
You've been there through the good and the bad.
You were there to stand with me when I felt tall,
and there to comfort me when I felt small.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I tell you I love you and you whine a low whine.
We knew it would come and we wouldn't know the time.
Forever is an illusion we create to avoid the pain.
It's a lie we tell ourselves to keep ourselves sane.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You've guided me through some rough times in my life.
You've believed in me when nobody else would.
You've kept me sane and out of harm's way.
You couldn't talk words but you had lots to say.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I guess they say that all good things must come to an end.
You've truly been this girl's best friend.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You feel my pain and hurt my hurt.
As I sob and cry, you look up at me and whine with a paw on my thigh.
You do know that the time has come and your body is telling you why.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.
Your heart aches.

We know this isn't for fake.
They say that a heart is a big place.
I guess that makes this easier to face.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

As we sit together and face this gloom,
we both know that our hearts
are going to have to make room for another.
As I sob and I cry, oh why, oh why, oh why, God why?
You lay your head on my thigh as if to say...

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

With the wagging of your tail and many a tear in my eye,
I know you'd work for me 'til the day you die.
To know you and make you feel pain would drive me insane.
I always heard
that you've got to love somebody enough to set them free.
This isn't the first time this pain has happened to me.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I know you'll be a star in your new home.
It's comforting to know
that neither of us will really ever be alone.
We carry each other's spirit and memories into eternity.
We'll meet again someday in the here after
and there will be smiles and laughter.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

Goodbye isn't forever; it's a temporary thing.
Knowing you'll be happy and not in so much pain makes my heart sing.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.
~

Poem 38, Loving Memories
~
The memories which I love are these:
The fragrance of pine and balsam trees,
Coffee, herbs and sizzling bacon,
Sight of morning sun -- newly wakened,
Fragrant ferns and newmown hay --
The smell of the woods on a rainy day,
Smoke of birch logs on a blaze,
A mountain peak above the haze,
The song of the whip-poor-will in the night,
The wavering fires of the northern lights,
The messenger bird's high pitched song;
The morning star aboe the dawn,
Crashes of thunder in the night,
The silver moon gleaming white,
The melody of an Indian song,
A shimmering lake in the early dawn,
Sweet odor of evening -- these thoughts last;
The spirit they cause is never past.
~

On January 27, 2002 at 10:48 PM, Chevy died… May
he rest in peace… At the Rainbow Bridge…
Goodbye, Chevy, goodbye…

Poem 39, Goodbye, Old Friend, Goodbye

I knew it when I heard you cough,
When your saliva was a bloody froth
I knew it then, that your time was near
I knew…just what I had to do was clear

I know you’ve aged and good times we’ve had
It’s memories that will always make me sad
Yet those memories will drive me on
Whether my path be right or wrong

It’s wrong and cruel to make you stay
As your thread of life continues to fray
I’d never ask you to live in pain
For my own and selfish gain.

I want you to know as you drift to sleep
That I won’t be the only one to weep
I’ll remember you always and see your smile
And I’ll see you again, dear pup, in a while…
~