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When Farewell Must Be Said

*For anyone who had a companion dog that grew old and tired* I am gazing out across an empty land, there is not a thing that interests me. There is no happiness, in any tear I weep, for it’s so hard to set your best friend free. Simply there’s no choice in the time of life, for nothing born can claim eternity, so comes a time the head must rule the heart, but it’s so hard to set your best friend free. Comfort is to reminisce about the past, and not dwell on what is a personal cost. I should be celebrating for the love we had; not mourning about what I have lost.

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Angela Crabtree

Date: 10/23/2020 3:28:00 PM

I can relate to your poem, Lindsay. Mine was a cat for twelve years. I occasionally think of her. Great write saved to my favorites to read again :)

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/26/2020 3:08:00 PM

Hello Angela ... thanks for commenting Angela. I guess we don't realize at times just how important a pet is in our lives until we lose them - Lindsay

Janice Canerdy

Date: 10/17/2020 6:31:00 AM

This is such a beautiful, moving poem, Lindsay. I remember when our "Mama Cat" died at age 13. We mourned. Janice

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/18/2020 3:53:00 PM

Hello Janice ... I'd like to believe this verse is for all the folk who have received unconditional love for many years must try and cope with the loss - thank you Janice - Lindsay

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/16/2020 8:17:00 PM

this really tugs at the heartstrings, and makes me pretty sure you have known this parricular sad reality.

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/18/2020 3:50:00 PM

Hello Andrea ... yes, this is one of those factual poems you asked about. After sixteen years, the heart is very fragile when the time comes - thanks Andrea - Lindsay

Judy Ball

Date: 10/15/2020 4:30:00 PM

I do so agree my friend. I have lost many good friends in the past and it always hurts so much. My most recent was my little Chihuahua who was more like a baby to me than a dog. A fine write. So sorry for your loss. God Bless, JB

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/18/2020 3:56:00 PM

Hello Judy ... thank you Judy. They do become a part of our family and a close member indeed, so to lose them takes a long time to get over - thank you Judy - Lindsay

Paul Schneiter

Date: 10/12/2020 8:58:00 PM

Lindsay, Your serious side is just as magnificently crafted as your funny side. The last two lines would deserve to be engraved in granite were the "I's" changed to "we's." Hugs, Paul

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/14/2020 4:50:00 PM

Hello Paul ... your comments are always encouraging and I sincerely thank you that - stay safe Paul - Lindsay

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 10/11/2020 5:54:00 PM

I had to put my dog to sleep a few years ago, so I know totally how it feels to say good bye, its a process and it takes time. Thank you for sharing such a heart felt poem dear Laurie. Be well.

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/14/2020 4:47:00 PM

Hello Pixie ... thank you for sending a comment. Dogs and Cats in these times are regarded as family members and so become much loved. To lose them is truly heartbreaking even with warm memories - thank you Pixie - Lindsay

Emilia James

Date: 10/3/2020 3:09:00 AM

Breaks my heart every time when I lose a pet, lost one of my dogs 3 yrs ago and a cat 2 yrs ago (she was young) still upsets to this day if I think on it too much. You are spot on in your last stanza. A fav for me, Emilia

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 10/7/2020 3:42:00 PM

Hello Emilia ... in these times, it's not like losing a pet but one of the family. Like you, I have mourned over losing my companion for quite some time - thank you Emilia - Lindsay

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 9/26/2020 11:18:00 AM

It is very hard to set someone you love, trust and respect free, I know it must be so, and that this is the circle of life, but just the thought you will never see that person, unless in your mind's eye only, is SO hard. I love your poem and have faved it so that I can read it often, and maybe come to realize your last two lines. Hugs and blessings Lindsay, Jennifer.

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 9/28/2020 6:00:00 PM

Hello Jennifer ... this poem hopefully can make us realize that sharing a positive lifestyle with others is so important because it becomes too late if there is a tragedy - thank you once again Jennifer - Lindsay

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/22/2020 6:51:00 PM

Only natural to mourn for what's lost. I think that it's blinking unnatural to celebrate when you've had a loss. I guess I go against the grain these days. But the loss has to be acknowledged, don't you think?! :) gw

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 9/28/2020 5:55:00 PM

G'day Gershon ... yes, I'd find it very difficult to celebrate a loss that lasts for ever. I sit and ponder over fond memories to try and ease the pain - thank you Gershon - Lindsay

Rico Leffanta

Date: 9/20/2020 11:43:00 AM

All one can do is, "fare thee well in your new life" since the past has gone forever! Aloha! Rico

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 9/28/2020 5:52:00 PM

G'day Rico ... correct Rico. As is stated here 'you only get one kick of the footy', so we must bid our pal good luck in eternity - thanks Rico - Lindsay

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/20/2020 12:12:00 AM

A road many of us have travelled Lindsay, but your last stanza sums it up well, celebrate what you had not what you lost. Tom

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 9/28/2020 5:47:00 PM

G'day Tom ... enjoy every moment that you spend with your companion because there will become a day when they won't be there - thanks Tom - Lindsay

Daniel Turner

Date: 9/19/2020 8:50:00 PM

I dread the day, Lindsay. My heart goes out to you. It is a beautiful poem. So sad.

Lindsay Laurie
Date: 9/28/2020 5:44:00 PM

Hello Daniel ... after sixteen years, to have our mate put down was very painful indeed. Thanks for commenting Daniel - Lindsay