The day before you left me
leaves swirled on the ground.
We slept out in the sunshine
and happiness abound.
If I'd only known it was the last
I'd kiss your nose.
I might have had to kiss it,
a thousand times or more.
I thought you were feeling better,
as nap you did not do.
You kept your blue eyes on me
and locked me in your view.
I suppose you knew
you'd have to go away,
which is why you couldn't bear
to look the other way.
We took the mental pictures
and tucked them safe inside.
We coaxed our fears with ice cream
and savored all the time.
The day before you left me
was so much more than sweet.
I'm glad I had the time
to lay upon your feet.
Hours in the sunshine
were two forever friends,
silently still speaking,
we were talking heart to heart.
I told you that I loved you
and asked you how I'd know
the time would be right
to let my sweet bear go.
You didn't answer that one,
too stuck inbetween,
for your bones were very tired,
but who would care for me.
And so we lay together
for hours on the porch,
taking silly pictures
and releasing all our doubts.
Remember when you met me,
your ribs shown through your fur.
And you slept there on my porch,
until I opened the door.
Reluctantly I did,
and how I did not know,
that you would save my life,
and change my life as so.
I thank you for the adventures,
the laughter and the love.
The howls and hikes
and most of all,
for making me your own.
I'd always battled loneliness
until you stole my heart,
and off we walked together,
I never thought we'd part.
On the day you left me,
the snow it slowly fell,
encircling your weakened feet
and landing on your tail.
Small, sweet artic kisses
they whispered out your name.
A call so old
you rised to meet it
and walked along your way.
I'll never know how you did it,
kept up that noble grace.
So quietly you fought,
you did it all for me.
I didn't see your illness,
I couldn't take your pain;
the cancer so deep inside
in every single vein.
On the day you left me
you made it very clear,
that you would stay beside me,
and hobbled very near.
And oh how I loved
the loyalty you showed,
but I couldn't let your spirit
watch your body go.
And so we made the trip,
one last one side by side.
I stroked your long, soft fur
and told you not to cry.
For you had been a good boy,
which no one could deny.
I laid you on the blanket,
a soft place to rest your head,
and brought your yellow ducky,
to send you with the best.
I told you how I'd miss you,
although I didn't know,
how vast the missing is
when your best friend goes.
I asked for you to wait
across that rainbow bridge,
to run and play
but then one day,
come back to run with me.
I saw that you were ready
when you closed your eyes,
and though I did not want to,
I knew you had to fly.
Our lives flashed before me,
and flooded up my eyes.
I held you in my arms
for that one last final time.
And then cupped your face between my palms,
and then I watched you die.
So peacefully you went to sleep,
so soft went your gaze,
and I stayed to hold you
until I knew it true,
that our grand and loving journey
was over with and through.
On the day you left me,
so many hugs I got.
So strange it seemed for others
to try and fill your spot.
I walked among the forest
and your favorite swimming hole,
so shocked and confused,
and facing the unknown.
On the day you left me,
I fell asleep that night,
choking on my tears
and clutching your ducky tight.
So when tomorrow comes
and I cannot see your face,
I'll be thinking of your smile
and of your honor, your grace.
When tomorrow comes
and I cannot touch your fur,
I'll say a silent prayer
for everything you were.
When tomorrow comes
and your blue eyes no longer shine,
I will think about our friendship
that continues over time.
When tomorrow comes
and I'll hear your howl no more,
I'll try not to laugh
when I think about your snores.
When tomorrow comes,
please don't be surprised,
that it is I who sits on your porch,
waiting to be let inside.
And then our journey will continue,
like not a day was lost.
The loneliness will vanish,
the pain will go away,
and side by side we'll remain,
forever and always.
Asher, my sweet, beloved friend.
It is you that I will always miss.
Thank you for making me so entirely happy and content.
Who knew a dog could be so wise?
Oh yeah, you did.
I love you Bear.
~Brandi
