Run free Baillie, please say hello to Bonnie and Toby at the bridge for me
I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years
or maybe two or three
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
How will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come
to take my pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know
forever grateful stay.
But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If by your love, you've achieved,
in memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment
with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you, too.
-Author Unknown
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Do not cry, for I have found true peace,
And though I'm sad, my aches do cease,
I know you wanted me to stay,
But it can't always be that way.
Do not cry, for now the fields I pass,
I play and frolic in the grass,
My friends love me and I am free,
For this is how it's meant to be.
Do not cry, for I am not alone,
I have a huge and juicy bone,
The water here is crystal clear,
Never again will I feel fear.
Do not cry, for though you miss my love,
I watch you from the skies above,
And there are lots more troubled souls,
That need you to refill their bowls.
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I Stood Beside Your Bed Last Night
Author Unknown.
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
"Its me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here"
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I want to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key,
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me".
You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair,
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
Its possible for me to be so near you everyday,
to say to you with certainty "I never went away".
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew
That in the stillness of that evening I was very close to you.
The day is over.... I smile and watch you yawning
and say, " Good Night, Sweet Dreams, God Bless,
I'll see you in the morning".
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide
I'll rush to greet you and well stand together side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out; then come home and be with me.