[Eidlevice]: 521.Riley

This poem is about the family dog who I loved dearly. I know...crazy writing about a dog but she was my BFF!

I watched the chickadees jump around
the red willow, leaving their tiny prints
in the soft soil

The tree shed it red blossoms, raining
down on top of the small birds. A
humming bird reached out with its long
tongue and lapped up the nectar

Pansies and roses grew at the willow’s
feet, the chickadees dancing around
them in praise. It was a dance of
Mother Nature

I had planted those flowers there, making
a small garden in the roots of the red
willow

The willow’s long, drooping vines created
a veil, consuming the plaque I had
placed there

This my place of solitude. I can go
to my red willow and conceal
myself behind the vines

This is a tribute to a most beloved
Member of our family she loved many
and her passing shocked us all

We knew it would come but I dreaded
it most of all. It was only a small
mistake but it triggered a bomb

She dissapeared later that week. When
she did not greet me at the door, I
called for her. When she did not
come, I mourned for her

I knew when the young willow
Sapling was planted on the edge
Of the woods, she was gone

That night, I cried. I didn’t answer
when mom asked what was wrong,
only cried harder

My cries turned to sobs. I could not
tear anymore but reached a state
of mourning that I couldn’t stop.

My heart, that night, was torn apart

She has gone but she has a special place
among my family. We will remember
the love that she has shown us since
she was a pup

Riley has a place in our hearts that
Can’t be filled by anything else

Riley is a legacy that will last for a lifetime

Riley has been given a gift

Riley is our love