Here is a selection of bereavement poems, which may bring you comfort:
My Forever Pet
There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart... it needs to mend.
Though some may say,
"It's just a pet,"
I know I've lost a friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
- Susanne Taylor
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
- Author unknown
I Loved You Best
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this... I loved you best.
- Jim Willis
Four Feet In Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs nor plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl,
and all the things
You won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow!
- Alice E. Chase
If it should be
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
- Unknown
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
though I know your heart aches so
But remember it was for the best...
It was my time to go.
I know how much you love me...
As much as I love you.
And each time you're thinking of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart.
- Author Unknown
Faithful Friend
God summoned a beast from the field and He said...
"I endow you with the instincts uncommon to other beasts:
faithfulness, devotion, and understanding surpassing those
of man himself. Lest it impair your understanding, you are
denied the power of words... Speak to your master only with
your mind and through honest eyes...
So be silent, and be a friend to man...
This shall be your destiny and your immortality."
So spake the Lord.
And the dog heard and was content.
- Author Unknown
Her Journeys Just Began
Don't think of her as gone away...
her journey has just begun.
Life holds many facets,
the Earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting from
the sorrows and the tears,
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today,
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched,
For nothing loved is ever lost...
And she was loved so much.
- Ellen Brenneman
