Migrating butterfly on frostweed
I’ve debated with myself if Dr D. would approve of what I am going to post. I did not ask her for a yea or a nay. Since she does about one euthanasia on average each week and sometimes more, I thought that some of her clients might find some comfort in this poem that I wrote for Dr. D. back in 1999. She still misses this dear little cat. In Dr. D’s words, “she made me laugh when I was down and brought me comfort when I was in pain. Athena will always be my most beloved cat. I think of her everyday.”
So the following poem was written in an effort to try to ease her pain. I wrote and re-wrote it many times- staying up until 3 or 4am after getting home from work at midnight. I worked on this little poem for probably 2 weeks or more. I just remember that I labored to try to find the right words. I’m not really into writing poetry. I find it very difficult to try to get the wording to flow. Keep in mind that it was written from my heart and it is not a polished poem.
Someday I’ll write Athena’s story. I think it will touch your heart.
The Day You Told Me Goodbye
It was fate and destiny that led you my way
Thank you dear Lisa for finding me that day
You rescued me as a wild, dying kitten and gave me life
I shared your good times, the bad times, your pain, and strife
My life with you was filled with warmth and tender care
And other pets whose love for you, I could share
I am gone now, you told me goodbye- please don’t be sad
Remember the happiness we shared together and be glad
The mornng I left you, my breath became the wind that gave me wings,
To live on in spirit and in the wind that sings
I will touch your face as a warm raindrop on a summer day
You’ll hear my purr as a hummingbird darting among the flowers of May
I am still following you with footsteps that you can not hear
For I am your guardian angel now and I will always be near
I am free and wild again but I’m with you in my spirit though we are apart
You will see me again in other pets who will know the goodness of your heart
I will live on in the beauty of a butterfly and in the music of the wind
And one day you’ll find me as a tiny kitten in need, waiting to be your friend.
Poem by Yvonne September 21, 1999
Pets, People and, Life 
Beautiful poem, very touching. 🙂
Thank you Ela. I appreciate the compliment.
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Thank you for reading and leaving a comment symbol. Ela.
I found your poem. Thanks for leading me here ~ it’s beautiful. xo
Thanks for letting me know. I hope in some smalll way it offers you a bit of comnfort.
beautiful. We just lost our 14-year old German Shepherd, so thank you for that poem.
I am so sorry you no longer have your German Shepherd. Shepherds are such good dogs when they have good owners. I Just know that you were. I truly hope that the poem will continue to provide some confort to you and your wife. It is such a grieving process and if your dog was an only pet then it is even more difficult.
If you have time, go back and read the comments that I exchanged with exiledprospero. His papillon died, i think late July.There are several replies and comments going back and forth re: his little Angie. Some of my replies to him might help you as well.
Thank you for viewing my blog and for the lovely comment.
How i wish i could respond more fully to your post. But i don’t have the strength to read it fully right now (some day i will). You write a poem called ‘The Day You Told Me Goodbye’ and couple it with the prodigious image of a butterfly.
At the end of July, Angie, my butterfly dog, died in my arms. She was fourteen years old and meant everything to me. i started my wordpress blog in order to keep busy, to try to find a way to assuage the pain. i am gratified to learn that other people also have made deep connections with their animals. i have no rational explanation for the bond, i only know that it is real and enduring.
Thank you dear sir for the lovely comment, re: the little poem that I wrote for my daughter. I made a comment on one of your posts about your precious butterfly. At the time of my comment I did not know how she died and all I could write is that I understand your grief. She was a part of your life for fourteen years. That is a long time in “dog years.” Even so, there is no consolation for your grief, no matter the time span. I have no idea if she was the only pet that has graced your life. Again, that does not matter.
My daughter has since lost her border collie and two more cats, and each time it was a new grief all over again. When you are up to it, please return to my blog and read a story that I wrote about my daughter finding a puppy when out walking. It is under the category, The Vet’s Pets. The post is titled “My Dog Marley.” I am just a very simple writer given to poor sentence structure, the general flow of the story, etc. but the gist of the story might also show you another aspect of grief.
Animals possess that one ability that we as humans do not have. And, this is merely my opionion. A beloved pet connects to us and becomes close in mind, body, and spirit. I do not believe that we connect to a human being in this manner. Our beloved pets never ask questions and certainly do not demand answers. They live with us in serenity, harmony, and shower us with their love.
Personally, I could not go through life without being surrounded by my cats and dogs. Some of them are my special ones and I love them with all my heart.
May you find a restful place in your heart and lovely memories of your beautiful little dog.
Yvonne