Jackson's Eyes
For Tom, Sheryl and Matthew
In Memory of Jackson, Golden Retriever
Our life was one of privilege
'til Jackson crossed The Rainbow Bridge
But the day will come when you and I
Find peace again in Jackson's eyes.
Until that time let's drift on back
'pon breezes sweet of fresh-cut grass.
Let's waft as bubbles through summer haze
And live again those Golden Days . . .
. . . A Golden Boy with face aglow
Runs and laughs with Bubble-Blo.
Streaking past this sun-kissed boy
Bounds Golden Dog unleashed in joy!
Flying, leaping through the air,
This wily dog with freaky hair
Tries snapping up those spheres of soap
He pants for more, 'I hope! I hope!'
Sharing in this Kodak scene
Are Dad and Mom (the fitness queen)
As Jackson leaps too close and high
Dad shouts, 'Hey watch out for the little guy!'
(How could these two have realized
When taken in by chestnut eyes
That caring for this furry one
Would help prepare them for a son!)
Now their son's a strapping pup
With years -- and tears -- of growing up
For clouds obscure the clear blue sky
They drift across Jack's lovely eyes.
Although he's ill Jack does not fret
He laps up all the love he gets.
There is little they will not spare
In loyal love, heroic care.
But comes one sacred August night
When Golden Dog meets Golden Light
Blessed with tears from Master's eyes
Jackson sleeps when Midnight's nigh.
With plume a-wagging, Jackson lopes.
We're left behind. We're sad, we mope.
'Cross Rainbow Bridge and to Dog Heaven
He's at Home in six minutes -- seven.
Furry angels with no reserve
Throw Jack the party he deserves.
Back on Earth we pray he's fine
To ease our worries, God sends this sign:
Forever now when daylight's stolen
And clouds assume a soft red-golden
When copper colors warm the skies
We'll feel the love from Jackson's eyes.
Like rich brown caramel, soft and sweet
Those liquid eyes were full and deep.
Depending on the eyebrows' shift
He looked quite funny and sometimes miffed!
He taught us much, that furry beast
Compassion, Humor and Love on a leash.
Throughout his life, he opened our souls
To Joy, to Sorrow -- both make us whole.
While we must grieve, let's not forget
Over the Rainbow we'll join our pet!
Yet, we feel we're not apart --
For Jack left paw prints on our hearts.
I'll never, ever forget you, Jack. Love, Ellen
Ellen Szalinski
LOSS OF A DOG
By Dr. Carlile
If you've ever known the welcome
of a barking ball of hair
a sloppy kiss
a friendly paw
a quiet adoring stare
if you've ever had a special friend
to share a tear or two
or maybe just a wagging tail
to lift you when you're blue
If you've ever lost your troubles
in a joyful romp outside
or shared your fears
with listening ears
that never left your side
If you've ever felt the wrenching pain
that only death can send
then you have lost
not just a dog
you've truly lost a friend
A loving God would not destroy
the love that He creates
so rest assured that you will find
you dog at Heaven's gate.
That joyful bark
that sloppy kiss
will greet you once again
and share your love forevermore
your dog - - your precious friend
I thank God upon every remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3
What Is That?
What is that? Well, it’s a dog, for sure not a cat,
As for the breed, who can figure that?
One ear flops, one ear sticks up,
One has no hair, the other has tufts!
His tail is smooth but just to the end,
Straggly hair there and the tip of it bends!
His coat so uneven, part straight and part curls,
Long straggly whiskers cover teeth white as pearls.
Long skinny legs with feet big as snowshoes,
Eyes not the same either, one brown and one blue.
His color all mucky, neither this nor that.
Who can figure the breed can’t tell where it’s at!
A show dog he’s not, just so ugly he’s cute.
His little “kissy” tongue I just can’t rebuke.
A dump in my yard and thankful is he
To find someone friendly, a softy like me.
I see past the “ugly” of this little dog
For inside he carries a heart big as us all.
Asleep at my feet as I sit and write,
Secure in sleep, those huge feet run in flight.
His size I don’t worry nor even his looks
For in my heart he’s already claimed his special nook.
Whoever dumped him cheated themselves,
If I knew who dumped him, I’d thank them myself.
What is that? Who knows and who cares,
For the rest of his life my home he will share.
For he’s already brightened my life can’t you see,
This little dumped dog, someone gave to me.
Kathy Henderson 1998
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