A DOG’S LIFE

This week has been a sad one when we had to say goodbye to Holly, our dear little Border terrier, who passed away peacefully at home, aged seventeen and a half: a veritable Methuselah in doggy-years.
Little Hols had a sweet and gentle nature and was much loved by all who encountered her. She will be greatly missed.
I wrote these verses a couple of years ago and publish them today as a tribute to her and in thanks for the joy she brought us.

Holly Fleming at Bordeaux Bay

 















HOLLY

Waking, my hand falls on warm fur:
a small rib-cage rising, falling,
as breath goes on doing its work.

We are connected, she to me,
by synchronous breathing; by love,
on my part; on hers, obedience.

Now fifteen years, I hold her close,
gently as when she was a pup,
skin-and-bones, promising nothing.

A good dog, demanding only
a clean, warm bed; small kindnesses.
Fortune, grant her sleep, untroubled.

Holly with Jane in Tuscany 2014