Pet Bereavement

If it be I grow frail and weak,
And pain should wake 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 grief then stay your hand.
For this day; more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship will stand the test.
 
We've had some happy years,
What is to come, holds no fears,
You'll not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
 
I know in time you too will see,
It is a kindness you do for me,
Although my tail, its last, has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
 
Do not grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Please, don't let your heart hold any tears.
***********
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 till 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 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 
************
Last Night
 
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here"
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I am not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me".
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away".
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ......
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over ...... I smile and watch you yawning and say,
"good night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning".
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ...... then come home to be with me.
Author Unknown

*************
 
His Journey's Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
 
Don't think of him as gone away--
his journey's just begun
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
 
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
 
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
 
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost--
and he was loved so much.
 
************
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
I am in the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
 
- M.E. Frye