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Open Poetry #48
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MICHELMAS
Member
since 2012-02-15
Posts 305
Lancashire England

0 posted 2012-10-23 05:56 AM



Woman’s Best Friend

The dog knew, oh yes he knew
If you cared to look into his eyes
So mournful, his head between his paws
His tail twitched once, his tail twitched twice.

He’d known some time, the last few days alone
Someone had called, to feed, to take for one brief walk
And then today, so many people, they’d pat, or stroke
So many flowers, so many tears, so very hushed their talk.

Then later, how they’d looked at him
Poor old boy, he’s fifteen you know
Such a shame, his bladder’s gone
It’s for the best, she’d understand, his days are done.

So quiet now, he lay alone, in thought or dream, I do not know
Remembering that first day, all paws he was
She’d hugged him tight, and cried a lot
Her first words, I’m sure he would have loved you too.

And how they’d run through fields and streams
And slowly he’d made her smile come back
So many miles and games they played
And by the fire, his ears were stroked each night.

And autumn leaves came round again
He’d wait for her, she’d wait for him
The walks now short, but still together
Both always close whatever weather.

And once his coat so shiny black
Just like her hair, both now turned grey
Then suddenly the walks had stopped
He’d cuddle close head on her lap.

That fateful day, no stroke for him
But this dog knew, oh yes he knew
So lying still his eyelids closed
Began to dream, of long gone days

He dreamed of chasing through the fields
A blue sky day, a light so bright
His legs were twitching to his dream
The years rolled back, a pup again.

And then he saw her raven hair
The blue eyed sparkle that he knew
They ran into the setting sun
Both young again, for days of fun.


MJH2012

© Copyright 2012 MICHAEL HUGHES - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
1 posted 2012-10-23 07:00 AM


Touching poetry, especially for us dog lovers of the world.

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

r v wooo
Senior Member
since 2007-08-07
Posts 656

2 posted 2012-10-23 02:54 PM


Oh, the memories...they bring tears to my eyes...I love the poem.
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
3 posted 2012-10-23 03:46 PM


Michael, this has me sobbing so much I can’t think straight.  Even if it is fictional, it is true in its essence.  There is so much I want to say, but I can’t get it into words.  Sorry.

Owl

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2012-10-23 04:01 PM


Michael,

do let us know when to bring in the Hankies by posting a "Hanky Alert"...

I AM this woman!


OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2012-10-25 02:21 AM


Michael, I came back in here, wanting to read it again, but I got through a couple of stanzas and the flood gates opened again and I just couldn't read further, nor say the things I wanted to about the darling doggie and my previous babies, being my horse and dog and cat who are (happy) in Heaven, nor what I was wondering about, but I think I got my answer about that in October Rain.  Sorry again.

Owl

MICHELMAS
Member
since 2012-02-15
Posts 305
Lancashire England
6 posted 2012-10-26 10:33 AM


Thanks for the comments, sorry about causing tears,but then I wanted the emotion in this poem.It is strange how many people lose a partner and replace them with an animal..a dog perhaps...and then if the owner dies and leaves the dog alone..what next
the line 'This dog he knew, oh yes he knew' that just came to me sat on a train, and the rest followed...
there is a lot of comfort to be gained over the years from the love given and returned from a faithful pet.
Enough said I think
Michael

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
7 posted 2012-10-27 05:30 PM


Such tender tragic truth lovingly told...

Very well done!


    lori

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
8 posted 2012-10-28 03:57 AM


Michael, don’t be sorry about my tears.  Whilst your very beautiful poem ripped me apart, it was a good ripping apart and I am glad I read your poem, though I won’t ever read it a second time.  The fact that it is fictional, doesn’t make any difference as it is so true about these precious darlings.  

Timing made it a little more difficult for me too, as on 26 October, it was exactly 2 years since my beloved Tigger cat went to Heaven.  I got through that day reasonably sane thanks to Benji dog and Cleo cat and Ruth (Suthern) and her 2 cats, Kate and Colin.  

My dog, Daisy, went to Heaven at the age of 14½ on 18 December 2009, and as I said, Tigger on 26 October 2010 at the age of 15½, and my horse, Flicka, on 28 April 2002 at the age of 37½ (human years).  The 3 of them watching over me from Heaven found me Cleo and Benji on 31 December 2010.  I had been wanting an old dog and an old cat so they would go to Heaven before I die so they wouldn’t suffer the excruciating separation anxiety that I felt/still feel and always will from Flicka, Daisy and Tigger.  However, Benji was 11 months when I got him and Cleo was 4 years old – so I will have to make sure I live longer than they do, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem barring disasters, considering my excellent health, but I am almost 67, so I hope I get it right.  

On top of everything else, on changing stations last night on TV, I happened on the end of Marley (a Labrador) and Me, from where Marley and his human father were nearly at the top of the hill.  I was hysterical, despite knowing that it was probably fictional too, but that didn’t make any difference for the same reason as with your poem, and despite trying to tone it down as my cat and dog were upset by my hysteria.  So, I’m sorta exhausted today and yet some tears are still flowing at the proximity of your poem.  

Owl

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
9 posted 2012-10-28 11:18 AM


This was awesome, my friend!!!

jimmy

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