A Memory of Death
The day Karen died you instantly became mine. A five-year-old golden retriever in need of a new mumma to call his own. So, I wrapped you in my arms and gave you the warmest bed as you gently kissed my tears at night. For we had both lost her together, and together we would face anything and get through it as a family. She left us both and now we would conquer all the hardships as one. Little did we both know we’d become the best of friends. You were my mate to my soul, the line to my life.
her d e a t h gave me you
aching for joy, you SAVED me
my furry life-line
Yes, I have six years of many fond memories. I could write a dozen books on each but why is it that when I think of you, I remember your final breath? It was a chilly October day in two thousand sixteen. I laid with you on the floor the night before and neither of us slept very well. I showered you with treats and groomed you before I took you to your final resting place. I wanted to make sure you looked like a pretty boy when you met your first mumma at the rainbow bridge. I clipped your nails gently and as I used your brush for the final time a crimson stained tear fell from my eye. For only crimson is the color of death.
October MERCY
rainbow bridge calling your name
t e a r s of death remain
The final car ride was awful. It took all we had just to get you in the car. Your bones so brittle as tumors enveloped your body. Arthritis swam through your joints like an ocean tide. We arrived and the wait was unbearable. We were placed in a small and icy cold room. I made sure you had enough water so you wouldn’t die uncomfortable and thirsty. Your daddy and I held you so hard, we just couldn’t let go. The anticipation and apprehension of the moments to come encompassed us both. We had never done this before, said goodbye to a beloved pet we called a child. Then came in the veterinarian. It was finally time.
my poor d i s e a s e d boy
the wait just too much to bear
time to say GOODBYE
I saw the needle and asked how long it would take for you to fall asleep. She said, “about fifteen to twenty seconds”. I held you as that needle entered your tired and weary body. Weeping and moaning for you to stay awake long enough for one more treat. Maybe this was the wrong decision? Was it really your time? These questions I still ask today. About a minute went by and I was still holding you. I couldn’t help but wonder why you were still awake. The veterinarian said she had to give you twice as much to put you to sleep. Just then you raised your grey and golden head and kissed us one last time. Your tail wagged fast then slowly stopped. It was his final goodbye to us after all. You held on as long as you could to tell us you loved us and thanked us for loving you when you were abandoned. There you lay. Lifeless with your tongue hanging out of your mouth. I closed your eyes and said one last goodbye.
goodbye my sweet boy
may the heavens give you p e a c e
my FUR-ANGEL...Bo
Dust Off A Memory - Poetry Contest
Sponsor, Broken Wings
October 21, 2017
Copyright © Lu Loo | Year Posted 2017
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