Poetry from Sue

MAY I GO ?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so much for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady cat,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young one once again.

Author - Karen Clouston


IF IT SHOULD BE.

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you should do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Dont' let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You'll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

I know in time you too will see,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close,we two,these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.


THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

The real Rainbow Bridge is near Lake Powell, Arizona.
It is a sacred Indian stone bridge. The legend says:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal
dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to
Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run
and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our
friends are warm and comfortable. All of the animals who had been ill or
old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are
made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days
and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small
thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left
behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body
quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and
when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous
reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face,
your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the
trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent
from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....