The Last Night
I realized the end was near
The dreaded time had come
Reality replaced the fear
I knew what must be done.
His old head lay lightly in my lap
I brushed his fur now gray
I wept for the loss to come
And stroked his fear away.
I reminisced on times gone by
When into our life he came
He was a rogue streetwise pup
And Harley was his name.
But now his life had run its course
A choice uncommon to me
To release him from the pain
And let him pass with dignity.
Too soon the dark turns dusk
The first light of day
Dawns unwelcome with no sun
Rain keeps the sun away.
I rally all my resolve
gather his small limp form
Embrace one again his puppy smell
Wrapped in a blanket warm.
He does not suspect
My intentions pure
And I use sweet talk
His confidence to reassure.
It would be so easy to give in
To the love I feel inside
To ignore again his suffering
And keep him by my side.
A battle takes place in my heart
My emotions both friend and foe,
My love for him overcomes
The fear of letting go.
One last drive in wind and rain
His favorite pastime for years,
A glory breaks through the clouds,
And warms his head and ears.
With trusting eyes he follows
The family gathered near,
The needles prick is short and quick
It is both cursed and dear.
I glance at the doctor’s face
Imagine my surprise to see,
She must have done this many times
But there are tears of sympathy.
As he moves from life to legend
Released from pain with one last sigh,
In our hearts he lives forever
Free once again to run and fly.
Too late my resolve waivers
My god what have I done!
I gasp at his last breath
His spirit has traveled on.
He plays at the rainbow bridge
With chin on paws at the mist he stares,
Patiently in afterlife
He waits for me there.
Written July 2001. The most difficult poem I have ever written.
I read the first three words then had to stop.
Dog lovers know about pain and sadness.
A very good poem.
Thanks so much.
Ben: brilliant line.
Keat: My sympathies for your sorrow.
An extremely beautiful, touching poem...
I wish I hadn’t read it...
I’m glad that I did...
Probably the hardest thing is that look of trust they have when you know what you’re doing on that last trip.
Our Yorkie Yankee had back cancer that came on very quickly. He went from being a powerful little terrier to one who yelped almost with every step. In death, his curled little form looked so innocent, when I knew what a tough little guy he was.
My condolences Keat.
Beautiful poem Ben.
I am touched. Beautiful.
Poem brought tears... and memories. Thank you.