We buried her – Faithful Bella
The last chapter so painful
The slow decline –
The struggle to bring comfort
Hope for improvement –
Yet one more rally.
Finally the last visit to the vet
Family gathering in grief
To witness the merciful end.
Then the funeral cortege
Speeding along I 80 to bear
Her earthly remains
To her final rest.
The day was hot and humid.
Four of us wielding the pick
And shoveling the earth
By the secluded creekside hill.
Four long hours to dig the grave
And all the while a hawk
Circling and crying her harsh call.
Finally we lowered Miss B,
Covered her with redwood boughs
And scattered wild flowers.
A prayer was offered
Memories shared
A hymn sung.
Such an outpouring of grief!
But she was only a dog
Some might say.
But on, what an expression
Of the capacity to love.
– jml (2003)
