Wednesday, April 28, 2010

In Memory of Emerson; August 15th 2002- April 29th, 2010


The Power of the Dog

by

Rudyard Kipling



There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.



Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie--

Perfect passsion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart to a dog to tear.



When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find--it's your own affair--

But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.



When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.



We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-term loan is as bad as a long--

So why in--Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

8 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love. Em x

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  2. I'm so sorry.
    The poem is beautiful and made me cry. Just know that there are folks out here who know exactly how you feel.
    Love and hugs.

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  3. A perfect eulogy to a faithful pet dog. I'll raise a glass to the pooch the next time I'm out and about. My condolences on your loss, EC.

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  4. Mimi and Tilly,

    I so appreciate you- thank you.

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  5. Becky,

    This was the hardest thing I think I've ever had to do in my entire life so your comment meant/means so much. xxoo

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  6. Postie,

    As always, thanks for being there and being such a good friend. I'm not sure after the four beers or so I had post Emerson, exactly what I said when I called you- but I do remember you being incredibly supportive-

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  7. I hope you and T are doing well now. Love you!

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  8. Glamaramababy,

    We could have not as easily gotten through this without you and Robert and your great refferal of Dr. Shaffer.

    Also, Robert coming over with us, knowing full well the grief, pain and loss he was walking into showed us the true meaning of friendship.

    We love you guys SO much!

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