Eternal Sleep - Written 7 Years Ago For Shae-Leigh

[RhodyGreys]

I had forgotten I had written this one, but today marks the 5 year anniversary of my Ringo passing, and we have lost so many in the last 24 hours. I've modified it slightly to eliminate gender-specific references.

 

Eternal Sleep
for Shae-Leigh, December 18, 2007

On your last day, you laid your head
On the softest blanket, and I said
You're ready to tread where the angels tread
Though I want to keep you here instead.

On your last day, you met my eyes
Told me you were ready to say goodbye
Without fuss or fight or the smallest cry
Your spirit went soaring into the sky.

On your last day, you ate a meal
You ate with gusto, you ate with zeal
Big brown eyes turned on me to steal
My heart again, in a moment so real...

On your last day, you took a stroll
I could see how the years had taken a toll
Through the coat you shivered, my only goal
Became your comfort, though it tore my soul.

You sniffed the wind, you ate your food
You did everything you thought you should
But nothing more, then you lay down to sleep
Your sleep was peaceful, your sleep was deep...

I saw your legs twitch while you snoozed in the sun
And I knew all you wanted to do was run
From your failing body, to soar with the stars:
What a gift were those last moments of ours.

You gave us the sweetest, most loving years:
I will miss being able to stroke your ears
I will miss being able to calm your fears
I will miss being able to dry my tears.

I will miss every day that we do not share,
But I know that someday, I will meet you there
At the Rainbow Bridge, at heaven's gate.
No matter the years that you have to wait.
Don't worry dear hound, I will keep you safe
Here in my heart, in a sheltered place.

© 2007 m.e. brady

[racindog]

[MP_the4pack]

[MachosMom]

Someone pass the tissues please... This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[lukasmom]

that says it all so beautifully. Thank you for this.

[BatterseaBrindl]

 

Thanks...

[Guest normaandburrell]

So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[Guest sireltonsmom]

Thanks for sharing. My sweet boy would be 16 today. We had him until he was 14.5 so we celebrate that. Your poem speaks to all of us who had to let our precious houndies go.

[MarcR]

Thank you

[Batmom]

[DesiRayMom]

Typing through tears, but I loved it.........thank you.

[carronstar]

Now I just have tears running down my face. That is beautiful.

[galgrey]

[IansMom]

A beautiful tribute and heartbreaking at the same time. Thank you for sharing this.

[Guest Allyson]

We put our Gilby to sleep last night. I, too, am typing with tears flowing. Thank you for sharing...I needed this.

[fsugrad]

Made me cry, but so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[greytpups]

I agree, it's very beautiful. Sadly, December17th is our 5th year without Bailey and I still remember saying good-bye so clearly, albeit the pain has lessened over the years.

[sabrina]

Thanks for posting this sad but true & moving tribute