i couldn't bear to see them empty.
your leash turned up in my purse today
at work and made me cry.
i gave your extra chews and treats--so many of them--
to your adored big human brother, for his babies.
i have cleaned up the blood from your illness
from my floors because seeing it made me question God.
but your toys are still everywhere--your donkey, your raccoon, your lamb--
to remind me of joy; that exotic thing as common as kibble to you, dear girl.
______
for the sunday mini-challenge.
Sad and solemn piece, a remembrance of what used to be, a distant past but yet with vivid emotions.
ReplyDeleteyou tear my heart.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing (and so tragic) that even months from now, something will make you think of Skittles (some thought like, "Skittles loves this weather, and will love walking in the park this afternoon,") until you realize--too late--that Skittles is gone.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you lost Skittles after such a short time together. But I have to believe that even if there is a god that took Skittles too early, there is also a god that has a marvelous after-life for dogs...
... because dogs are pure love.
I have lost animals and it is a very real grief! You have written of it so well.
ReplyDeleteNow you have brought tears to my eyes! The juxtaposition of the last two lines just killed me. I am so sorry, Shay. She was taken too soon.
ReplyDeleteSO SORRY. FEELING with YOU <3
ReplyDeleteSo sad. Wonderful close of poem, such a sad close for poor skittles. Take care, k.
ReplyDeleteSighs and more sighs ~~ deep.
ReplyDeleteA loss like yours is heartbreaking. Childhood memories of pets dying has kept (and will probably keep me) from getting any attachments like this... but it's always saddest when they leave so early... after 40 years I still cry when I remember our cat Moses who was hit by a car... I'm so sorry for you
ReplyDeleteOh this made me cry. Her stuffed animals, to remind you of joy. Just heartbreaking, Shay. She was a totally joyous little being, wasn't she?
ReplyDeleteI remember crying over picking up last poops. I hope your heart mends and keeps that treasure trove of good memories. So sorry for your loss:(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Shay. xx
ReplyDeleteEven in such unbearable pain, you can still manage this.
ReplyDeleteThe last two stanzas are especially powerful.
I'm so sorry for your terrible heartbreak.
May joy, "that exotic thing," be lavished upon you,
dear girl.
Oh Shay - so sad.
ReplyDeleteThat last line is killer...absolutely gut-wrenching!
ReplyDeleteI was hesitant to even read this, because I figured it would make me cry. I was right.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. I am sorry for your loss nothing is worse than losing a beloved pet.
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, beautiful tribute. They truly are one of a kind.
I didn't want to read it as soon as I saw the title... I did - three times. The whole thing so tender - but that last line.... powerful. She had the best.
ReplyDeletei'm so sorry ~
ReplyDeleteShay, this is so tragic! I am sooo sad~
ReplyDelete