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Open Poetry #45
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crosscountry83
Member
since 2009-07-30
Posts 345


0 posted 2009-08-16 05:23 PM


That's Scout's collar,
lying on the table.
I didn't think it would happen,
but it did, and she's gone.

She never got a chance.
a bad knee, we couldn't pay.
surgery cost too much,
she was in pain for sure.

to let her go was right,
but it hurts so much.
it left a void
and ripped a hole in my world

I turn to scratch her
behind the ears.
an affectionate gesture
but she's not there.

I shift my feet
under the desk
only to notice her absence
and feel the empty air.

Thinking of her
another wave of sadness hits
I see her collar on the table
I can't pretend anymore

she's not here.

Rileigh

© Copyright 2009 Riley - All Rights Reserved
Alison
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1 posted 2009-08-16 09:10 PM


Rileigh,

I am so sorry.  So many of us are going to totally understand the loss that you are feeling and the hole in your life.  It's not something that goes away fast, but the feeling changes.  I still miss my last dog.  She was the special dog girl in my life.  I now have three dogs, and I love them to pieces, but they didn't replace my Tasha Dog.  So, I know you are going to cry and miss your Scout.  In time, you might have a new friend - and it won't replace the dog that you had.  That new dog will carve it's own way into your heart.  Don't close out the thoughts of sharing your life with another in time.

Now, your poem is the best.  I can't believe how well you write and express yourself.  I am in awe of your abilities.

I am thinking of you.

Love,
Alison

crosscountry83
Member
since 2009-07-30
Posts 345

2 posted 2009-08-16 09:17 PM


Thanks, we do have another dog, Scout and him were litter mates.  You can tell he can tell somethings wrong, he just walks around moping...

Rileigh

Yoinn
Senior Member
since 2007-08-16
Posts 649
Michigan
3 posted 2009-08-16 11:02 PM


wonderful honesty in your poem here Releigh. Life is a process, and the strength that you will gain to get you thru this will serve you later in life. Keep living, keep loving and the balance will come.

Yoin

Robert E. Jordan
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since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 posted 2009-08-16 11:43 PM


Yo Rileigh,

I like your poem about your dog.  I'm 72 going on 150.  The human lifespan is much longer than the canine life span.  That's the way God/nature/what have you made our two species.  

Over my lifetime, I've had six or seven dogs.  Dogs and man take care of each other, that's their job here.  

I'm sure that you will find another dog that needs your help, and whose help you will need.

Bobby

crosscountry83
Member
since 2009-07-30
Posts 345

5 posted 2009-08-16 11:46 PM


Yo Bobby
I know, but she was only 7 months old, I just wish she got a better chance at life, if you know what I mean.

Rileigh

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6 posted 2009-08-17 12:11 PM


Yo Rileigh,

A dog's life is very different from a man's life.  Dogs are pack animals.  Scout looked at you, and thought that she looked like you.  You were part of her pack.  If you treated her well, and it sounds like you did, she enjoyed her full life span as she understood it.  

Take good care of her litter mate, and she/he will go to the other side fulfilled too.

BTW, all dogs go to heaven.

Bobby

ramisf
Member
since 2007-05-17
Posts 93

7 posted 2009-08-17 07:16 AM


It doesnt matter if she is there or not but what matters the most is you getting what you want and can portray her the way you like.
crosscountry83
Member
since 2009-07-30
Posts 345

8 posted 2009-08-17 08:06 PM


Hmmm, ok?

Rileigh

Alison
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Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
9 posted 2009-08-22 04:29 PM


Rileigh,

This morning I took my three dogs for a ride - and I took my almost 14 year old retriever mix to the vet's.  Like your Scout, she did not come home.  It is never easy to put an animal to sleep.  I came home and looked for this poem.

Thank you for writing it.

xoxoox
Alison

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
10 posted 2009-08-22 04:52 PM


I know where you are coming from, Rileigh. I don't think there is anything sadder than the death of a pet, that little creature that showed you nothing but love his whole life. We have all been through it and have all shared your feelings. I'm sorry for your loss....
peaceseaker
Member
since 2009-07-29
Posts 161

11 posted 2009-08-22 05:38 PM


Oh my, so sad, but beautifully written sentiments about your loved companion...I too know the sadness and the emptiness one feels, but there are always the memories...So sorry for you loss...peaceseaker
crosscountry83
Member
since 2009-07-30
Posts 345

12 posted 2009-08-22 07:10 PM


On no Allison, I'm so sorry.  I hope you don't hurt too much inside...

Balladeer and peaceseeker, thank you for your comments.

Rileigh

Alison
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Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
13 posted 2009-08-23 02:19 AM


It always hurts, you know.  But, I started working with my puppies.  Well, they are not really puppies.  They are like three years old.  It is easier taking two dogs out than three - so tonight we went for a long walk and practiced what we have been watching on the Dog Whisperer.  My little male dog and I love that show.

Thank you for peeking in and caring, Rileigh.

xoxoxo
Alison

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
14 posted 2009-08-23 08:49 PM


Rieligh, I understand that kind of pain and loss. You wrote of that aching emptiness, very well.

Giving you a warm, compassionate hug,

Linda

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