My Secret Treasure

Among broken ceramics, old doll clothes, and books
Was a tiny trinket of the past no bigger than a half dollar
Bringing a rush of long kept memories into my heart
I held in my hand the dog tag he wore hooked on his collar

I can still see the little girl’s joy the first time she saw him
Black and white mutt, a shelter dog rescued
He quickly became the most coveted family member
Needing a new home, lots of love, and some food

I can feel the warm summer grass under my feet
As we used to run around the yard every day
Snapshots in my mind of  his ball, bone, and bark
How he would curl up behind my mom’s legs where she lay

We saved him from a most unfortunate fate
All those very many years ago
He taught us patience, caring, and total devotion
It was hard for us when we had to let him go

His tag I held dear in my fingers once again
It was something my parents had long ago tossed
I recovered it, as they had one day saved him
For this moment in time to find what could’ve been lost

Sweet memories of a cherished family pet
Brought alive again for my heart’s pleasure
A tiny item of such unknown significance
I’ll hold dear forever, my secret treasure
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Austin Avatar
December 14, 2011 at 2:27 PM
I am a big softy for animal poetry. Have wept bitter tears over a terminally sick animal. I wiped away a tear reading your fine poem. Congrats on the selection. daver
Eastman Avatar
December 12, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Beautiful poem.
Brown Avatar
December 12, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Shani. A well deserved feature. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 4:54 AM
Congratulations on your win Shani in Paula's "Yard Sale" contest. Love, Carol
Horne Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 1:03 PM
I can't believe how many contest results I've missed - many congrats on all your recent wins, Shani : )
The Rogue Rhymer Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Great job! Congrats. to you!!!
Taylor Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 9:55 AM
Congrats on your 3rd Place win, Shani. Excellent piece. Nice going. Have a great Fourth. Ralph
Onclaud Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 8:17 AM
oh shani... beautiful! my loving congrats on your win .. :) huggs!
Johnson Avatar
July 2, 2011 at 8:03 PM
Yes I have saved some of those too. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
July 2, 2011 at 7:29 PM
Congrats Shani on your super win in the contest with this touching piece luv..enjoy another sweet success with luv..
Richards Avatar
June 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM
I almost missed this warm-hearted gem. I have felt the love for a beloved pet with every line of this moving poem. Beautifully shared, Shani. Lovely poem it is.
Fassbender Avatar
June 16, 2011 at 5:57 AM
Thank you Andrea...I was going with the thought that I'd "hold it in my heart forever", but I need to express that with words. Time to edit...
Onclaud Avatar
June 16, 2011 at 2:21 AM
hats off to this poignant offering.. a tag is more than a name written on it... winning wishes to you, shani! :) huggs
Dietrich Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 10:04 PM
and where do you keep it, dearie? Answer that question and you have a sure fire winner!! I really like this one.It's something unique in the contest that nobody else did. I really enjoyed it.
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