The Long Process Of Letting Her Go Poem by Michael Hunter

* A series of Haiku's about putting my dog, Terrapin - to sleep*

Bright eyes see me.
Holding her leash in my hand.
Can she see her end?

Excited bright eyes
Tail that tries to wag but can't.
Bottom wiggles hard.

Warm soft fur.
Snoring nose is damp.
Twitching paws.

Will she know?
Will it break her heart?
Will she mourn?

I cannot be there.
I cannot nod and say, 'now.'
I can't hear her die.

Cold hard earth
Makes her bedding now.
Still, she sleeps.

She won't be there now
To put her paws on my bed,
Asking, 'Please, Dad, Please? '

Long cold nights,
Quiet without snores
Only mine.

I'll wish she was there,
Taking up all the bed space,
Snoring happily.

Stop and think,
Were we right in this?
Did we err?

Terrapin my love,
Thank you for the love you gave,
My heart will miss you.

Peace at last.
No more pain to feel.
You are free.

© 2008 Michael Hunter