In Memory of Roxi – May 10, 1998 to August 10, 2010
This week we lost our beloved Shepherd, Roxi, at age 12. I wrote this for her.
There is a hole in the Universe where you used to be.
I go through my day tripping over the impressions you left in my routine.
Like a photograph negative I see the outline of you.
But it is not you.
At the door.
Under the coffee table.
At my feet under my desk.
I get out of bed – late because you didn’t make me get up.
I wander aimlessly in the morning thinking there is something I’m supposed to be doing.
You would have told me.
You knew our every move. Time to go out. Time to eat. Time for pop tart.
We were so predictable. So trainable.
I know with time the tide will wash over your footprints.
Soon the movement of the Universe will fill in those holes.
Too soon routines without you will feel normal.
But I’m not ready to let you go.
I leave your dish with three bits of kibble from that Tuesday morning where you left it.
I leave your nose prints on the windows unwashed.
The dog hair un-vacuumed.
We want you back home.
But not like this, in a metal box with the inscription “Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge”.
by Sharon Foley
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
(author unknown)
Hugs to you Sharon, I know how hard this is right now…
Lovely poem sis. It made me cry as I am sure it will do for the others who read it. Hope it helps you heal.
In the meantime, one foot in front of the other, without thought, for a while. Even if it takes you in a direction you usually don’t take.
Long live Roxi!
cyn
This is beautiful, Sharon. Dave and I know how you and Wayne feel. When our beloved Ian passed away two years ago at age 14 I noted that there was a hole in my heart where once there was Ian. The raw-ness of that hole has healed, but the hole is still there.
Roxi will always be with you.
Sending love,
Sharon
What a beautiful poem, Sharon. Sending lots of love your way!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sharon. Your landscape must seem so incomplete without her.
I’m so sorry to hear about Roxi, Sharon! She was so sweet and loved so dearly. My thoughts are with you right now, knowing that it is very hard to lose such a beloved companion. You gave her a great life.