"I believe in a heaven for all dogdom
where my dog waits for my arrival
waving his fan-like tail in friendship"
by Pablo Neruda
*
Me and My Dog
Adi was my dog by default
Came to us landlord kicked her out
Dogs are okay but no Beagles,
said, "We can't allow, they howl"
Adi howled not 'less commanded
She howled the best for family
Ice cream, she favored vanilla
Walking with me her favorite
Adi became therapy dog
Paper carrying certified
A reading dog, helped kids to learn
Visited the old in their new homes
Adi loved chasing small and wild
the rabbits, squirrels and the fox
Then one day she acted strangely
Within a month she'd passed away**
No cortege for Adi just us
Buried her beside the garage
Soft earth over her used before
Won't forget telling her goodbye
Will she be waiting in Heaven
I think she will if Bible's true
All God's (little) creatures await
Romans Eight verses Eighteen plus***
--After reading Pablo Neruda
(that Hedgewitch--see credits below--likes),
"A Dog Has Died" *
[Neruda's home in Valparaiso, Chile]
[click on pictures for larger view,
click again for larger still]
I also did write 14 lines using a title of his, "I Like for You to be Still", back in 2019 (read it here).
*I read a poem of Pablo Neruda that Hedgewitch (see credits below) likes, "A Dog Has Died" and liked it a lot. I am choosing to be "inspired" to write from that poem. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40470/a-dog-has-died
**Adi died in 2012.
***I heard Elisabeth Elliot, wife of deceased Missionary Jim Elliot, talk of this on the radio back in the 1990's. (Wikipedia)
_ _ _ _
- Photos and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2022, All Rights Reserved
- I am linked with Shay's Word Lists # hosted this week Hedgewitch (Joy Ann Jones), at http://fireblossom-wordgarden.blogspot.com/
- I am also linked with Rosemary, author of the Friday Writings #15 post
- *Note 1: I read a poem of Pablo Neruda that Hedgewitch likes, "A Dog Has Died" and liked it a lot. I am choosing to be "inspired" to write from that poem. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40470/a-dog-has-died
- Hedgewitch wrote that from her 20-word list, we should use at least three, and said, "So, without further ado, here is your list:"
arrow
awning
beating
cortege
dog
earth
falling
geraniums
honey
iron
kiss
listen
malediction
naked
origin
petals
poppies
sour
water
white
.
Yes, that is one of my favorite Neruda poems, Jim. Thanks for using it as your inspiration. Adi sounds like a wonderful dog, the kind that breaks your heart to lose. Lovely photos, also. Thanks for sharing with the Word List.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great dog!! You can see what a sweetheart she was in her eyes in the photo. That's so cool you were able to visit Neruda's house. I would like to see that someday.
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope so Jim, I've several I hope to see again. Sweet poem
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your dog's tale, Jim. A lovely way to honour her memory :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dog...all animals have souls.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a fabulous post, Jim. I liked going back and reading the Neruda pieces. Yours here is very much in the spirit of the second one, a lovely reminiscence of a lovely dog.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think it couldn't be Heaven without dogs! (And cats. And other animals.)
Oh my, this tugged at my every heartstring. Also love the photo of you and Adi!
ReplyDeleteA dog that made a difference, surely earned his spot in doggie heaven!
ReplyDeleteGood girl, Adi. Her tail must be wagging in heaven.
ReplyDeleteAwww Jim, this poem resonates for me having lost my dear Chauncey in 2016. I KNOW Adi is waiting for you in heaven, just as Chauncey is waiting for me <3
ReplyDeleteI have to think all dogs and other animals have their own place in heaven. Wonderful poem, Jim!
ReplyDelete