To My Dear One

by A. H. I.
(Australia)

~TO MY DEAR ONE~

I remember when we first saw each other, dear one.
You were huddled beneath the thread-worn cloth, a shaking bundle.
You gave me a flitting glance from those wise, hazel eyes, no more.
You were so afraid.
They told me you would bite. That you would hate, fight, kill.
They told me that for you, there was only one option. To die.
But you wanted to live. And that is only fair.
So I took you home.

Eight years we had. Eight glorious, fun-filled years, dear one.
You were so happy, so kind, a life in its own right.
You would watch the butterflies, and you would watch for me. Yes, even me.
Your surprised them all with your quiet ways, your gentleness.
They told me that your forgivingness was unparalleled, unequalled.
They said that they would never have forgiven, never have forgotten.
But you did, though your scars lived on to tell a story.
An abused dog.

Now finally, dear one.
The time has come.
Take wing.
Fly high.
Sleep easy.
Rest in Peace.

~Rest in Peace, my Lady~
"Lady Jane"
b. ? April 2004
d. 16 January 2016