Marian's prompt at Real Toads is the song The Wolf Is Getting Married by Sinead O'Connor. ("Your joy gives me joy, and your hope gives me hope.") Needless to say, a topic I love.
My shuttered heart made a painful journey in search of love and peace. And then I found you, little black wolf-pup, adrift in the forest in the March rains, trying to survive. You were nearly dead when I took you home, warmed you up, watched you grow. Laughter came along with you and your big wolfish ears. It didn't stop for fourteen years.
Your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
We gamboled the long empty beaches, turned down every old growth trail. Our hearts loved the wild. You shared my wild wilderness spirit, set free after all the years of being tame. You blazed the trail, and I followed behind. But you kept doubling back to check on me and, when there was any threat, you sat facing out, your back to me, ready to defend me.
Your protection eased my longing,
your devotion never faltered.
When we left the wilderness, you mourned with me, but to be with me you left behind all that you loved. Every day we pointed the nose of the car towards whatever wildness we could find. And when we pointed it towards the beach, your joy filled the car.
Your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
For fourteen years, you loved me like I had never been loved: unconditionally, unswervingly, devotedly. And I loved you. You came closer inside my heart than any other living being, and did not find me wanting. I adored your wildness, and never wanted to tame you, as others had tried to tame me, to fit me into tight little boxes from which I repeatedly clawed my way out.
Your protection eased my longing,
your devotion never faltered.
You didn't want to leave me, but at fourteen years you could no longer stay. Even when your back and hips and legs gave out, you still tried to hang on. It was the hardest goodbye I have ever endured, and it has lasted the longest. When I say I mourned you more than the loss of the wilderness, you'll have some idea of what a large absence you left behind. I thank you for all those wonderful years. I carry you within now, the way your spirit carried me through our most glorious years together. Years when our hearts knew pure joy, when we loved what we loved together, trail and shore and wild wild waves. Years when
your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
My shuttered heart made a painful journey in search of love and peace. And then I found you, little black wolf-pup, adrift in the forest in the March rains, trying to survive. You were nearly dead when I took you home, warmed you up, watched you grow. Laughter came along with you and your big wolfish ears. It didn't stop for fourteen years.
Your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
We gamboled the long empty beaches, turned down every old growth trail. Our hearts loved the wild. You shared my wild wilderness spirit, set free after all the years of being tame. You blazed the trail, and I followed behind. But you kept doubling back to check on me and, when there was any threat, you sat facing out, your back to me, ready to defend me.
Your protection eased my longing,
your devotion never faltered.
When we left the wilderness, you mourned with me, but to be with me you left behind all that you loved. Every day we pointed the nose of the car towards whatever wildness we could find. And when we pointed it towards the beach, your joy filled the car.
Your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
For fourteen years, you loved me like I had never been loved: unconditionally, unswervingly, devotedly. And I loved you. You came closer inside my heart than any other living being, and did not find me wanting. I adored your wildness, and never wanted to tame you, as others had tried to tame me, to fit me into tight little boxes from which I repeatedly clawed my way out.
Your protection eased my longing,
your devotion never faltered.
You didn't want to leave me, but at fourteen years you could no longer stay. Even when your back and hips and legs gave out, you still tried to hang on. It was the hardest goodbye I have ever endured, and it has lasted the longest. When I say I mourned you more than the loss of the wilderness, you'll have some idea of what a large absence you left behind. I thank you for all those wonderful years. I carry you within now, the way your spirit carried me through our most glorious years together. Years when our hearts knew pure joy, when we loved what we loved together, trail and shore and wild wild waves. Years when
your joy brought me laughter,
your love brought me rest.
Oh Sherry, this brought tears to my eyes. Pup and you had such a special relationship. I know he felt that bond with you in the same way as you felt it with him! A beautiful write, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteI am like Mary. This brought tears. There is nothing like the unconditional love and bond between an animal and its caretaker. It will remain faithful no matter what and never leaves any doubt it loves you.
ReplyDeletesherry, of course i had you in mind for this prompt. thank you so much, this gorgeous (and on the fly!) writing moved me to tears as well. love to you.
ReplyDeleteMore tears here. What a beautiful memorial from a full heart and a true partnership for 14 happy years. Smart and loyal friends to each other.
ReplyDelete"Laughter came along with you and your big wolfish ears. It didn't stop for fourteen years."
"You shared my wild wilderness spirit, set free after all the years of being tame. You blazed the trail, and I followed behind."
". . . to be with me you left behind all that you loved. Every day we pointed the nose of the car towards whatever wildness we could find . . ."
"I adored your wildness, and never wanted to tame you, as others had tried to tame me, to fit me into tight little boxes from which I repeatedly clawed my way out."
". . . I mourned you more than the loss of the wilderness . . ."
So many gems on this necklace.
This is so much your story, Sherry, and you tell it so well. Your pup's spirit is so strong in you still. Lovely response to the wolf theme.
ReplyDeleteWhenever you write about Pup, I cry. I'm much too sentimental and know the hurt of losing a devoted pet. I guess writing is your way of easing the grief. Nice.
ReplyDeleteSherry- This is so endearing, brings tears to my eyes, too. I like the repitition of the refrain. I can tell this came straight from your heart.
ReplyDeleteChoking back the tears here too Sherry. The love our dogs give us is so unconditional isn't it. This was a journey through yours and Pups joined souls. Darn it, you made me cry. This is deeply loving, picture filled and touching.
ReplyDelete'Super sweet poem. Very dear. My dog will be 18 this month. She's a bit decrepit (more than a bit) but still very much herself. k.
ReplyDeleteOh Pup! What he has inspired. What you have enjoyed. So lovely.
ReplyDeleteSherry, a bond like this leaves us speechless - and your writing here brings out your very soul.
ReplyDeleteSherry, you know already that I had to wait to even be able to write a word..the last of your poem read through blurred eyes....my heart breaks...I can't tell you how much this touches me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Sherry, your little black wold pup waits loyally on the shore of forever never having to face out there but always toward you in a pure and safe place.
He's waiting to woo the wild with you once again. ((hugs))
Thank you, my friends. Underlying sadness all day, after writing this. But we are having fun! Your words - and your friendship - bring comfort. I so appreciate you all!
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry...
ReplyDeleteThis was so touching and special, as he was~
So happy you both embraced the true essence of each other. I still fight being tamed...
Yes, the wild heart is the best!
So touching...thank you for sharing this special tribute! :D
I thank you, mi amiga, for this inspires me and reminds me to hug and kiss my two joys, Jules and Jaz. They have now been with me and my wife, Roberta, for almost ten years and have provided us with so much joy. They have buffered the angst and pangs fo those tough moments and days.
ReplyDeleteFor this reminder you've given me, I thank you.
I will 'howl' at the moon and the stars, the days full of light and be cognizant that we will be howling together.
Gracias!!!!!
Your protection eased my longing,
ReplyDeleteyour devotion never faltered.
Oh, such love from a dog! It amazes me, truly, how their love never changes... A wonderfully, moving poem.