Welcome to Poetry Friday!
This post should probably come with a warning since it’s a bit sad. I started reading Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain. It’s thought provoking and has come at just the right time.
About a month ago I wrote a post about dogs. Dogs are still on my mind, but not necessarily because good things have happened. Since that time my daughter’s other dog passed. That one lived with us for a time, so we were particularly close to her. Our dog, Cyrus, continues to battle vision problems that have recently progressed, and the doctor suspects he may have lymphoma. We are spending our days keeping him comfortable and close, knowing that soon it will be time for a final farewell.
In Cyrus’ honor, I’m reposting a poem from November, 2022 along with an update.
The Voice Inside
He pauses at the top
of the stairs
where once he bounded down
without a care.
Now something warns
Beware.
One cautious step,
another follows
when something whispers
Take it slow.
His eyes adjust,
he’s on his way,
then something tells him
You’re okay.
©2022RoseCappelli
Buffy has the round up today where she shares two beautiful nature inspired poems. Be sure to visit for lots of poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Bittersweet with a strong dose of love. My dog is 15 and everyday could be his last, but he continues with an enlarged heart and mild seizures. I cry when I think about losing him all the while knowing I will take his life if he tells me to. What a blessing that we can love them fully to the end and gently put them to sleep. With people, it’s not so easy. All of our daughters have strong attachments to their own dogs. We raised them that way, I suppose.
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Thanks for your kind thoughts, Margaret. We are cherishing these final days.
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Thinking of you and Cyrus, Rose. Pets bring us so much, don’t they? xo
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Thank you, Irene.
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It’s so hard to find understanding that our beloved pets are going to leave us, Rose. I love that first one, step by step, making it, then the final “gingerly steps”. Hugs to you for this sad time.
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Thanks, Linda.
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Oh Rose! I know ALL of you are gingerly stepping through life feeling all the love! Sending especially tender hugs for you.
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Thank you, Patricia.
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Both these poems speak to me as our rescue hound (of indeterminate age–at least 10. but more likely 11) is slowing down and limping when he first gets up. Wishing Cyrus lots of love and you the comfort of sweet memories.
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Thanks, Buffy. Cyrus is a rescue too and we’ve never been exactly sure of his age either. Probably about 11, but maybe more. I appreciate your thoughts.
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Oh sweet, doggies! I’m so sorry that yours isn’t seeing well and that your daughter lost her dog. Your poem captures so much love.
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Thanks, Marcie.
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Our furry friends leave us way too soon! We had a small scare with our cat last week, thinking he’d somehow snuck out when company left. The relief when I finally found him, asleep on a pile of towels in the back of my closet, was palpable!
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Cats are so crafty and love to hide, don’t they? I could feel your anxiety, but even so, the scene brought a smile to my face.
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This post has me ‘feeling all the love’ you have for the dogs in your life, Rose. Give Cyrus a wee little scratch behind his ear from me. Smidgey gives him small ‘woof’…she’s losing her sight and lost her hearing in the last six months so she doesn’t bark as much. Mixed blessing? (We’ve had her 14 years, but she was indeterminate years old when we brought her home from the shelter. Each day is a blessing.)
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Thank you, Bridget.
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Yes, “feeling all the love” – hugs!!!
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Rose, I am sorry that your dog is ailing. I know personally that lymphoma makes one extremely tired. Back in 2003 when I was in treatment for lymphoma I sometimes could not get off the couch. Your 1st poem shares that exhausted feeling and the 2nd one is such a beautiful love poem piece.
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Thank you, Carol.
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This post is a love letter, for sure. I love in your poem how you make us feel the hesitancy that advanced age has brought to Cyrus, something us humans can relate to.
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Thanks, Janice.
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