Poems
We have compiled some of our favorite pet loss poems and want to share those here with you. It is our hope that they bring you some comfort.
Rainbow Bridge
Author unknownThere is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed
are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special
person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play
until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look
once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Bridge together
never again to be separated.
May I go now?
by Susan A. JacksonMay I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye 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 for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
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.
Tribute To A Best Friend
Author UnknownSunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall
I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend until we meet above.
Somewhere
Author Stanley HarrisonSomewhere, somewhere
In time's own space,
There must be some sweet pastured place....
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
Some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again.
Only the Best
God saw you and you were getting tired And a cure was not to be
So he put His arms around you and He whispered "come to me"
A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hooves went to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Don't Cry For
The Horses
by Brenda Riley-SeymoreDon't cry for the horses
That life has set free
A million white horses
Forever to be
Don't cry for the horses
Now in God's hands
As they dance and they prance
To a heavenly band
They were ours as a gift
But never to keep
As they close their eyes
Forever to sleep
Their spirits unbound
On silver wings they fly
A million white horses
Against the blue sky
Look up into heaven
You'll see them above
The horses we lost
The horses we loved
Manes and tails flowing
They gallop through time
They were never yours
They were never mine
Don't cry for the horses
They will be back someday
When our time has come
They will show us the way
On silver wings they will lift us
To the warmth of the sun
When our life is over
And eternity has begun
We will jump the sun
And dance over the moon
A ballet of horses and riders on the winds
Of a heavenly tune
Do you hear that soft nicker
Close to your ear
Don't cry for the horses
Love the ones that are here
Don't cry for the horses
Lift up your sad eyes
Can't you see them
As they fly by
A million white horses
Free from hunger and pain
Their spirits set free
Until we ride again
A Pet's Peace
by Tracy M. JohnsonI have left you now, but please don't be sad,
you gave me all the love you had.
You did so much for me in my time here
and i'll always hold those precious times near.
I know someday you'll find love again
and into your life will come a new friend.
Your heart will heal, though you'll never forget
memories like the first time we met.
Memories are wonderful, so keep them close
and remember all the good times the most.
Up in the Heaven for animals is where i'll be
and someday in the future, each other we'll see.
I am at PEACE now, so please don't be sad
You gave me all the love you had.
Little Snowdrop
Author UnknownThe world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
Until you have lost
Author UnknownUntil you have lost a very dear pet,
it's hard to feel the grief one begets.
But I know the sadness you are going through
for I have worn those very same shoes.
You look around and you see a big hole;
your home empty, your heart not whole.
But day by day may the fading tears
bring smiling memories year after year.
Forget Me Not
Author Marlena RoseMemories run together,
Some fade away.
Like the seasons of changing weather,
None here to stay.
The long roads we walked
To get to this place.
The ways that we talked,
Sometimes set in our ways.
Forget me not in the winter
When skies have turned to grey.
All the good times together
Shall never go away.
To Love Again
Author UnknownOh what unhappy twist of fate
Has brought you homeless to my gate,
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter warmth and food?
For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny,
While he, with bark and velvet paw
Became within my house the law.
He chewed my shoes and shed
And claimed the middle of my bed,
He ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day he died.
So if you really think, oh dog
I'd willingly relive all that,
Because you come forlorn and thin
Well don't just stand there - come on in!
You'll meet me
in the light
Author UnknownI know that you can't see me,
but trust me I'm right here.
Although I'm up in heaven,
my love for you stays near.
So often I see you crying,
many times you call my name.
I want so much to lick your face
and ease some of your pain.
I wish that I could make you see
that Heaven indeed is real.
If you could see me run and play
how much better you would feel.
But our loving God has promised me
that when the time is right,
you'll step out of the darkness and
meet me in the light.
To a Beloved Pet
Author Susie K ParkhurstIn the face of such loss, what do we do
How can we truly memorialize you
How do we find something that shows what you meant
How do we show what we felt when you went
When faced with deep grief, we humans despair
Did we do all we could, do you know how we care
You’ve gone on before us, and you truly know
How deeply you’re loved, wherever you go
I’ve learned throughout life, to reflect on the good
We’ll forget any strife, and know we did all we could
We’ll remember our days that were happy and fun
We’ll remember the times that we played in the sun
You gave us great love, and we gave it too
Unconditional love, from us and from you
We feel you around us, you’re here and you’re there
You’re still in our hearts, you’re still everywhere
You chew on your toy or you fly through the air
You hop through the door or you trot without care
Feathers or fur, cold and wet nose
Getting a bath or warming our toes
We’ll remember the good times more and more every day
We’ll honor your life in that special way
We’ll see you again where your spirit is free
You’re thriving, you’re soaring, and happy to be
Ever our cuddles and snuggles and heart
Ever our baby, right from the start
Ever my pet, my companion, my friend
Ever our family, love never ends
The Way
Author S.LongIn the darkness I turned to go; my last day's done, I'll miss you so.
No time even to say goodbye or lick the tears spilling from your eyes.
That's when I heard you call my name; I knew then I must ease your pain.
Since I've no voice with which to speak,
Its whispers in your dreams I'll make.
Ease your heart and rest your mind, my time with you was the best of kind.
I couldn't have asked for a better friend, we've shared our journey to the very end.
There's one final thing you need to know, I'll whisper in your ear before I go...
"I'm leaving first to find the way- I'll lead you there on your last day."
Fragile Circle
Author Irving TownsendWe who choose to surround ourselves with lives
even more temporary than our own,
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan.
The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legendBy the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
THE DOG
Author UnknownWhen God had made the earth and sky,
The flowers and the trees.
He then made all the animals
And all the birds and bees.
And when His work was finished
Not one was quite the same.
He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine
And give each one a name."
And so He travelled land and sea
And everywhere He went,
A little creature followed Him
Until it's strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
And in the sky and sea,
The little creature said "Dear Lord
There's not one left for me."
The Father smiled and softly said
"I've left you to the end,
I’ve turned my own name back to front
And called you Dog my friend.'
Pawprints Left By You
Author UnknownYou no longer greet me,
As I walk through the door.
You're not there to make me smile,
To make me laugh anymore.
Life seems quiet without you,
You were far more than a pet.
You were a family member, a friend
. . . a loving soul I'll never forget.
It will take time to heal -
For the silence to go away.
I still listen for you,
And miss you every day.
You were such a great companion,
Constant, loyal and true.
My heart will always wear,
the pawprints left by you.
A Loan From God
Author UnknownGod promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, He said,
So love him while he lives.
It may be for eight or ten years,
Or only two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.
He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.
I've looked the whole world over,
In search of guardians true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.
Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasures.
Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?
I fancy each of us would say,
Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joys this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.
If by our love we've managed,
God's wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that we have loved,
And to help us while we grieve;
When our faithful bundle departs,
This earthly world of strife,
We'll get yet another pup,
And love him all his life.
The Last Battle
Author UnknownIf it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.