Good boy, Travis . . . Good-bye

 

The new moon was setting on the night I let you go.
The thinnest of crescents, it hovered like a bow.
Venus hung on the horizon, fading in the coming snow.
I searched for a star to wish on, and found one east and low.
 

Too many thoughts.
The vet's needle was quick
Your heart needed only a little push to stop.
The physical heart, of course,
For your golden collie heart will stay with me.
Always.
 

I'll remember your eyes, your bark, your plumed tail
I'll remember you at the top of the driveway, waiting there
For me.
If I wait now, only my memories come at will.
The white socks and ruff, the golden face, the black and gray body.
The versatile looks . . .
 

"don't you know I'm hungry?"

"you woke me for THAT?"

"can't you make the thunderstorms stop? Please?"

the last coming with a cold nose thrust into my hand.

There will be no thunderstorms in your heaven
Only bright fall afternoons with a snap in the air.
Fried chicken and roast beef (does it taste as good if you don't steal it?)
Scratching under your ears.
You earned it so enjoy it.
Wait for me there...if only I can be as good as you were . . . wait for me there.
 

You knew I'd cry when you were gone, you really could have guessed.
A meteor shot across the winter sky a little to the west
An older moon was rising when I put your ashes down to rest.
At the base of an ice coated oak, where you waited for me the best.

 

Sandra L. Shea, Ph.D.
Department of Family and Community Medicine