~
she made this trip without me,
just last Sunday afternoon;
embarking unexpectedly,
she her leave took far too soon.
her kennel still is in my car,
here her spirit lives in part;
’neath her throw, her bed... my heart
my hopes she never wanders far.
comfort comes in many shapes,
in sizes... unpredictably;
a heart entwined will skip a beat,
her absence leaves me incomplete.
i knelt beside to offer comfort,
her sleep’s relief came far too quick;
once protector, now deliverer,
for this my heart is ill equipped.
yet she, my loss a need fulfilled,
now her pain my bitter pill;
and so i lean to say goodbye,
my whispered thanks, a lullaby.
comfort comes in many shapes,
in sizes... unpredictably;
in presence fills a hole unique,
yet mem’ry's loss, is bitter sweet.
~
post script.
a six-pound, furry ball of love, she was a god-send after our son’s loss, and her warmth filled out hearts. almost eight years with us, we are not resentful of her departure, only all the more mindful of the tenuous nature of life and grateful for heaven-sent comforts in every form.