The news: a bark that bites through my heart
Words on a screen scratching at my soul
My world shakes and it flings me down
I choke on the hairy diagnosis
And it claws at my breaking eyes.
The clock chimes, the hands move,
Eighteen years are now ticking
,
Sands caught in his paws, now loose,
He is slipping the leash that binds
Us together, man and best friend.
I weep at the news like a conclusion
Remind myself he doesn’t know;
He lives because he loves – those eyes and ears
Trained on me, following – I never leave him –
Bright with life … he is my story of goodness, pure,
Warm fur pressed against my cheek, we are
Still connected: a tongue licking my tears.
© Dale Schierbeck 2014
Read more poetry here … and discover Ben and his beginning in my “Benjamin Project.”
So sorry – that is always hard news to hear. Your poem is a lovely tribute. The image of him “slipping the leash that binds” is very moving – full of sadness but hinting also at a kind of freedom.
Thank you both. That is ever so sweet of you to say and I’m glad my words moved you as well.
While the news cuts me to my core, my conversation with the sweet and kind woman who has been his care provider for over a decade has said that, at very least, Ben and I should have a good summer together. I’m very thankful that our bond will remain for awhile longer as I prepare for an inevitable conclusion which I hope truly does bring him freedom when he most needs it.
It is always harder for us than them – you have given him a reason to live such a remarkably long life, never forget that…and hopefully many more miraculous months or years. Just as you shared your story and his with readers, so has he shared his message of hope and spirit with you and others who know him, I’m sure. You have both been so blessed, and also your readers and friends.
Thank you Jessica. The sharing is truly a part of it all, I agree. That is the heart of that bond and it comes with knowing that the more we share, the more we love, the harder it will be to say goodbye. But yes, I have truly been blessed to have had Ben as companion for so long. The big guy has simply started to outlive his own kidneys. His spirit has been indomitable and I am hopeful that even though I’ve been sadly reminded of his mortality, he will nevertheless surprise us all as he has since he was rescued from the streets as a puppy and beat the odds of being an abandoned stray. Thank you for your kind words.
Oh Dale… I’m so sorry…My wish for you is to enjoy the remaining time you have left together and that there be no suffering (for you both, though I know you cannot remain unscathed)
Thank you Dale. Your empathy means a lot. It really is hard for me to comment in return: I’m still processing it all. However, there is no question that I will cherish each and every day we have left together. Hopefully they are many.