Three Special Poems

The Rainbow Bridge

"Just this side of Heaven is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been
especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all our
special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are
restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of
days gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except
for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to
them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent;his eager
body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group,
flying over the green grass,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and
your special friend finally meet,
you cling to each other in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting
eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life
but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together........"

Author - Unknown

The Meaning of Rescue

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm, new bed
I'd like to open my baggage
Lest I forget,
So much regret.
Hmm... Yes, there it is, right on the top
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still love them, the others, the ones who left me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things -
and take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me umpack?
To put away my baggage,
To never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage -
Will you still want me?

~Author unknown

I Am Here

I am here waiting for you.
Do you think of me?
I am here waiting for you.
Can you set me free?

I somehow lost my home.
I'm not sure of folks I meet.
I found myself alone,
Lost and frightened in the street.

I tried to make some friends,
but was shooed and pushed away.
Is this the way it ends,
just another stray?

So much danger in the air!
My presence brings on fear!
Not welcome anywhere!
People run when I get near!

Picked up by the dog cops
and put in a foster home.
The food and care are really tops
but still so all alone.

I won't take too much space.
Just a small room in your heart.
A teeny,tiny little place,
Where I can make a start.

No I'm not a cute little puppy,
But I won't pee upon your floor.
I just need someone to love me.
Please open up the door.

I am here waiting for you.
Where ever can you be?
I am here waiting for you.
Can you spare some love for me?

Judith D. Steele 8/11/95