Coping with pet bereavement often involves navigating a complex mix of emotions – grief, love, and the poignant nostalgia of cherished moments.
In the midst of this emotional time, poetry can be a truly helpful way to offer solace, understanding, and a poignant reminder of the love we shared with our furry friends.
To help inspire you in these difficult moments, here are some poems to read, share and use to memorialise your pet.
I thought of you today
Author Unknown
I woke early this morning, lifted the shade
to a sky overcast and grey
No ray of sun to brighten my heart,
and I thought of you today.
The breezes of summer are no more
and have moved along on their way.
The crisp air of autumn has settled in,
and I thought of you today.
The crunch of the leaves under my feet,
I remembered how you loved to play,
chasing the leaves across the yard,
and I thought of you today.
As the daylight faded into dusk
and the shadows came to play,
I lit a candle and watched the flame dance,
and I thought of you today.
I crawled into bed, turned out the lamp
and glanced where you used to lay.
The tears came again, as they always do,
as I thought of you today.
I Ask Percy How I Should Live My Life
Mary Oliver
Love, love, love says Percy.
And run as fast as you can
along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.
Then, go to sleep.
Give up your body heat, your beating heart.
Then, trust.
To Sneakers
Jeanne Fiedler
She arrived in spring
Like a fresh gentle breeze
She was injured and starving
Curious and hopeful
A loving, trusting feline…
She was strong and unflinching
Vivacious and lively
She was radiant…she was youthful
She was ours…
We shared her raptures and sorrows
Her ups and her downs
Her life…
Now it is spring again.
But this time she has to go
Her spirit and essence will always live through us
She will eternally remain within us…
She will forever feel our love….
Tribute to a Best Friend
Author Unknown
Sunlight streams through the window pane
unto a spot on the floor….
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpets
and muted echoes sound….
then I remember,
It’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can’t be yours….
your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.
My Forever Pet
Susanne Taylor
There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart... it needs to mend.
Though some may say,
"It's just a pet”,
I know I've lost a friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
I Loved You Best
Jim Willis
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this... I loved you best.
If it should be
Author Unknown
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Author Unknown
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
though I know your heart aches so
But remember it was for the best...
It was my time to go.
I know how much you love me...
As much as I love you.
And each time you're thinking of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart.
We hope that these poems bring you peace and inspiration during your bereavement process. If you feel you need any help, guidance or further comfort during this difficult time, please reach out by visiting our page on Support Services, or contact one of our team on 01604 740 864.
