Bordeaux Bay

Bordeaux Bay
Bordeaux Bay by Guernsey-based artist Tony Taylor

Friday 22 January 2016

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

7 comments:

  1. What a beautiful verse, so touching. I'm so sorry to hear about Holly, she was a beautiful dog and I'm sure sorely missed.

    Thinking of you both
    Gabriella Xx

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  2. Thanks for your kind words, Gabriella. It's a hard place to be right now but it will get better with time. Richard.

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  3. Lovely poem, so sad about Holly you will both miss her so much.

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  4. Very sorry to hear this, Richard. When a four-legged friend's been with you for such a long time they leave a big gap in your life. Lovely poem; a fitting tribute.

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    1. Thank you, Dan. For one so small she's left a massive hole in our lives. R.

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  5. Sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts are with you at this sad time.

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