12/01/2024
This was my boy Chase, who I lost a few weeks ago, and have been devastated since. I wrote a Poem for Dog Lovers, that I'd like to share if allowed... It's called Shrapnel.
Shrapnel
I knew this route, I’ve been here before,
Not once or twice, but so many more,
The ups and downs measured every at every turn;
And at the end of the road my choice I spurn.
It was not disarming, no ringing in my ears,
It was quite peaceful, -I think, with so many tears.
You lent me your paw as you were fading away,
Trying to hold back the pain & sorrow, I claimed to be “okay.”
I didn’t mean to lie; you know that of me,
But I couldn’t believe I had to set you free.
The silence is deafening, your nails clicking on the floor,
The alert of your bark, when someone’s approaching the door,
Your absence is present that’s perfectly clear,
Minute by painful minute, tear by abundant tear.
It used to be loud, healthy, and strong,
But the recent events proves that all wrong!
The jagged million pieces digging into my chest when I weep,
Began the moment I had to decide when to put you to sleep.
Joan Zapatka 10-23
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