Ann Gilmour | + Follow Poet |
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A Cord Umbilical

The sweetest pup ~ a darling dog
A lovely friend brought home
So cuddly 
So sweet 
So pleased was I to meet

Since childhood and for all my life
I had a dog most of the time
Then when my last sweet boy passed on
Our tears we shed for he had gone
And now that I am all alone
Just me left here inside our home

When Parkinson’s moved in with me
no longer could I contemplate
another dog to share my home
as this degenerative disease
doth not allow for me to live 
my life just as I please

Reluctantly I face the fact 
resigned in the knowledge
I cannot look back
Sadly I will never again
share my home 
with another sweet dog
I feel very sad about that

For me a dog is the perfect companion 
with a welcome unsurpassed
A wagging tail
as you walk through the door
You could really ask for nothing more
Their love is so strong 
‘tis unconditional 
bonded together
by a cord ~ umbilical

And knowing that no longer 
I'll never have another dog
to cuddle 
to stroke 
to hug
to love
as he gently snores
on my fireside rug

So now instead you’ll often find me walking on the prom
Talking to and stroking each and every dog that comes along…

Written 7th June 2021 
after visiting a friend's new puppy...

CONTEST ALL YOURS (JUN8)
SPONSOR Brian Strand
FIRST PLACE 

Contest A STRAND (1048)
Sponsor Brian Strand 
FIRST PLACE

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Kim Merryman Date: 1/11/2022 4:27:00 PM Sweet, touching, sad- so much emotion comes through this lovely piece. Congrats on your win, Ann! Blessings, Kim M Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 2/9/2022 12:13:00 AM Thank you dear Kim, with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Gary Radice Date: 1/11/2022 4:43:00 AM A sad and beautiful read Ann. Congratulations in Brian's recent contest. We had a rescue greyhound for 5 years of its retirement life. The 40mph couch potato was part of us so I understand fully your expressed sentiments. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 2/9/2022 12:12:00 AM Bless you Gary, with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jo Chamberlain Date: 1/10/2022 6:33:00 AM Beautifully penned. I have two dogs, I adore them. I'm dreading the day they leave me. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 2/9/2022 12:12:00 AM Thankyou Joanna with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Christuraj Alex Date: 1/10/2022 5:08:00 AM With a great symbolic title, the whole poem is vibrant. Congratulations! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 2/9/2022 12:11:00 AM Many thanks Christuraj with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Mike Gentile Date: 1/10/2022 3:34:00 AM Ann, I am touched deeply by your sweet poem! I know many who enjoy the greeting of all our neighborhood's pups in just the same way! Congrats on your top placement in Brian's contest!! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 2/9/2022 12:11:00 AM Dear Mike thank you ~ with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Line Gauthier Date: 7/7/2021 7:40:00 PM Aw ~ every sweet. What a lovely poem, Ann ~ Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 7/24/2021 5:14:00 AM Bless my dearest Line ~ xx

Shirley Hawkins Date: 7/1/2021 5:46:00 PM Congratulations on your win in contest for this sad but beautiful poem. I am so sorry to hear that you have Parkinson's Ann. I hope you have a support group and friends family etc. who can help to make this debilitating illness easier for you to bear. Take care...All Best Wishes .. Shirley Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 7/24/2021 5:13:00 AM I thank you so much Shirley for your words of kindness and care ~ bless you xx

Paula Goldsmith Date: 7/1/2021 12:52:00 PM A "Wonderful" story/write. I fully understand. I love dogs/animals. No more will I have. I do rub them when I can. At one point, I did dog walking for an animal group. Both the dogs and I loved it. I had to stop because I moved too far away. Have a blessed day............. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 7/24/2021 5:12:00 AM Bless you dear Paula xx

Joe Dimino Date: 6/30/2021 5:23:00 AM A sensitive read and write. Heartfelt. I know what you mean. There is no denying aging -- my mind is willing...but my body often replies, "you've got to be kidding -- forget it!":) Excellent write! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 7/24/2021 5:12:00 AM yes that is so true Joe. Thank you for your lovely words my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Sara Kendrick Date: 6/17/2021 1:23:00 PM Ahh!! Sad one. There does come a time for many that they have to give up what they love and enjoy. I hope this is just a work about the problems of aging and not your life. Congrats on your winner. Sara Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 7/24/2021 5:11:00 AM Unfortunately I am no longer able to manage a dog because of the dreaded Parkinson's Sara, much as I would love too xx

Shonima Burman Date: 6/9/2021 4:14:00 AM Congrats on your win Ann....A profound feeling well described.....Hugs, Shonima. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 6/10/2021 12:13:00 PM Bless you Shonima for your welcome visit and congrats, with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Kim Merryman Date: 6/8/2021 3:09:00 PM This is such a sweet write, Ann! Congrats on your win in Brian's contest! Blessings, Kim M Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 6/10/2021 12:10:00 PM Thank you dear Kim for your lovely words my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jan Allison Date: 6/7/2021 6:03:00 AM aww Ann what a heartfelt poem, such a shame you can't have another dog but i love your upbeat attitude and i expect there are a few doggie treats in your pocket for those dogs you come to meet on your walks, write on my friend:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 6/7/2021 6:39:00 AM yes there certainly are Jan and such an array of delightful dogs to see. I especially get excited whenever I see an English Bulldog, as it always reminds me of Bill our beloved boy... hope all is well dear Jan. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham Date: 6/7/2021 5:20:00 AM Its a shame that you cannot have one Ann, my sister in law has just had a puppy, they're great company and so loving and faithful. I hope you are well and enjoying the heatwave. Tom Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 6/7/2021 5:33:00 AM Yes it certainly is Tom for they are such good company and calm ones spririt. I have slowed down so much in the last year but still manage to get out and about though just takes longer... the weather has been beautiful here with a gentle breeze, but also extremely busy as all and sundry make for the sea. Hope you and your family are well. With kindest thoughts Ann xx Reply

Victor Buhagiar Date: 6/7/2021 5:04:00 AM It is always a pity when one is not well and knowing that there is nothing one can do. Just pray and continue with your favourite sport, that of cuddling other dogs. Hugs. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 6/7/2021 5:32:00 AM Thank you dear Victor yes you are right and I try to keep positive most of the time and live each day as it comes, though occasionally a little negativity creeps in... Hope you are well my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx