After the saddest day of my life, losing my beloved Golden Retriever, Blondie - I had to write something as a tribute to her, however painful it would be. That's the job of a poet I suppose: to tell the truth of a moment however much it hurts.
Only a few weeks before I had written, My Old Dog's Eyes, knowing Blondie may not be with us for much longer, but never imagining she'd be gone only a short time later. I never knew emotional pain could manifest itself into something physical... I guess I know where my soul resides now. 😥
So tonight, I wrote this for beautiful Blondie who spent 14 and a half years on Earth. But I had to make sure of one thing: the poem must represent lament, love and hope in equal measure.
I'm not sure I succeeded but all I could do is try. I owe Blondie that much.
R.I.P. Blondie. Your power is eternal.
If my poem helps one person dealing with pet loss and dog bereavement, then I've done my job.
Yesterday’s Forever Dog
Her hair was there
but she was gone
Her scent on air
but she was gone
Her empty bed
with hollow dent
Her paw print tread
with fun intent
Her favourite toy
beneath the chair
she’d hid with joy
Today’s, still there
Her lead of hope
Nowhere to go
It couldn’t cope
It doesn’t know
But she still plays
It’s just the start
of endless days
inside your heart
Forevermore
she’ll roll and stroll
a bark, a spark
within your soul
