| Old Dog |
| When old dog had to die After long years filled with love and honor When the weight of time grew wearying And she was content to have it finished I brought my old dog to our friend. Old dog lay soft against me Old eyes already closed,waiting Our friends hand was gentle On the weary body with its ragged fur So gentle to find the frail small vein Where death could enter. Difficult Old blood runs sluggish Old veins slackly resisting So patient, our friend, his knowing hands All I can see through silent tears I watch capable strong hands lightly coaxing And at the last the small red flower Blooms briefly in the crystal Before he eases the plunger in. Old Dog only sighs very softly The weary heart slows and stops As the joyful spirit leaps free. We wait a quiet moment, my tears Dropping unheeded into the soft fur Our friend withdraws, his gentle hands Leaving old dog's cast-off body My head bowed over the weathered white mask For a moment Before I let her lie by herself And draw the blanket over her. I wish the old dog had made it easier for him To bring even a kindly death brings sadness He asked how many years she had, and I heard more than that in his voice I wish I could thank him For keeping zest in her years For making a good end of them For his capable hands For his gentle words For his caring heart. I took old dog home And laid her as if sleeping Wrapped in her worn blanket And sheltered deep in the kindly silent earth -- Marcia Schler |
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