“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Thursday, April 09, 2009

The l♥ves of my life ~ the dogs of my life...my last companions in life

When I first began to read the words below in the poem Best Friend, I thought it was another of those pieces we find on the web about the love we have for our animals...pretty generic, most of them - then word by word my heart became more affected and my mind began to conjure up images and my body brought about deep emotion and feeling.

The last few words I feel were written just for me (the blue italics are mine) and only for me, not true, but my soul owns those words, words I want read at my funeral, near my grave, the last words spoken just before everyone begins to leave, to get on with their lives again...now that I am gone. But even though I will be gone from life, and they will think I am dead and alone, there will be excellent companions who will stay close to me forever...forward into the night, and far beyond.

My sweet Freyja
We made them
in the image of our fears
to cry at doors
at partings - even brief
to beg for food at table
and to look at us with those big
aching eyes
and to stay with us
when our children flee.
And sleep upon our beds
on darkest nights
and cringe at thunder
as in our own childhood frights.
We made them sad-eyed
loving, loyal, scared
of life without us.
We nurtured their dependency and grief.
We keep them as reminders of our fear.
We love them as the unacknowledged hosts
of our own terror
of the grave - abandonment.
Hold my paw
for I am dying.
Sleep upon my coffin.
Wait for me,
sad-eyed,
in the middle of the drive
that curves beyond the cemetery wall.
I hear your bark
I hear your mournful bark
Oh, may all the dogs
that I have ever loved,
carry my coffin
howl at the moonless sky
and lie down with me sleeping
when I die.

~Best friends by Erica Jong

Scout, 100% of his love, 100% of the time

12 comments:

Maggie said...

Hi Mimi.
Thank you for visiting my post on Cat Love. Cats were never a part of my life until 12 years ago when a little kitten found it's way to my door in the middle of winter. Our entire family feel in love with him and as a result of that, between family and friends 11 more kitties have been adopted. I have three of those 11 and love everyday they share with us. We also have a Cocker Spaniel named Heidi and she know the cats are boss.
I love them poem you posted and have copied it to my journal. Your Freyja and Scout are beautiful looking dogs...... so cute the way they are looking right at the camera.

Maggie said...

I am laughing because I just re-read my post above. I guess it's too early in the morning because I see I can't spell worth beans at this time of day. I should have previewed first.

Maggie said...

I just read your comment on my blog.....we have lots in common. I also did animal rescue work. It was very rewarding even though it also brought times of tears with it. We moved and I had to leave my work but in the near future I hope to become involved once again.

Betty Jo said...

Beautiful poem Mimi. I just made an order for your adorable Etsy shop. those rose file folders are gorgeous. I couldn't decide the ones I liked the best. ♥

Lisa said...

I will share this poem with people here at work! (animal hosptial) We see alot of this, animals and owners dying. This will be a real comfort to others I'm sure. Thanks!

Hugs, Lisa

Stephanie said...

I love the poem!! Your doggie pics are great!

Marianne said...

So sweet!

Fifi Flowers said...

Aaah sweet furry family memebers!

Betty said...

I believe that all the animals I have ever loved and lost will be waiting for me someday. Billy Graham once said that heaven is a perfect place and that means his dog will be there too.

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Ahh Mimi,
There's nothing like an animal's unconditional love. Both of your pooches shown here are beautiful and I'm sure you've spent countless hours feeling their love. A beautiful post!
~Tracie

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Mimi...I didn't realize you are in Michigan, too. Where are you??
Jil

From the Attic said...

Freyja and Scout are both beautiful. That is such a moving post and I certainly believe our animals are waiting at the bridge for us. I truly do.
Chrissie