The mind knows it’s full time
But the heart beats to a different rhythm
~~
It’s time, the mind says, knowing
Not yet, the heart says, hoping
He’s shaky and blind, says the mind
But such strong spirit, says the heart
His hind legs are weak, says the mind
But watch him gallop, says the heart
His mind’s diminished, says the mind
But he has such heart, says the heart.
~~
The two of them, the mind and heart
Together in the vet’s office
In sad reconciliation.
The fight over.
A life over.
Goodbye.
Goodbye dear friend.
Fare thee well, loved one.
Thanks for being our faithful companion.
~~
Dawson listened quietly as my daughter, then my husband, thanked him for being in our family, and bade him a loving farewell. Then I read to him: from An Honest House, the chapter I had lovingly written about him.
Would you believe it? He lay perfectly still on my lap the whole time I read, attentive, as if taking in every word. I shall miss him.
Cynthia Reyes 