outside the drawn floral curtains
in the scary dark night
a door closed
over and over
muffled whispers
of dad’s voice talking to
uncle phil
followed by sounds of
spades digging
on ground hardened by frost
striking on flint
grating on my mind
over and over
sharp stones in an untamed
garden in the cold of
winter
the dog had been sick
our fluffy black and white pup
my ears strained
what were they doing
and then
the penny registered
in my eight year old brain
dropping like a dead weight
hurting my heart
with horror
i listened to that scraping
and bedding down of soil
when i was unable to
shed a single tear
hiding under the counter pane
trembling
a small leaf buried under
a mountain of sadness
-
Author:
Cassie58 (
Offline) - Published: February 17th, 2025 07:56
- Comment from author about the poem: amazing what gets dredged up from the sea bed of memories The pup was called Shadow
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 37
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange, Poetic Licence, Teddy.15, Cheeky Missy, Thomas W Case
Offline)
Comments9
Oh that is heart wrenching. Brings back memories of my first encounters with death- the concept progressing and getting fuller as the years progressed. I think my under 10 mind thought of it as a state of no longer being physically present with us. Provocative and evocative, Cassie 🙏🏻🕊
Thank you arqios. Yes, a huge wrench losing that pup. Probably my first experience of death. Not forgotten either. Have a good Wednesday.
You’re most welcome Cassie 🙏🏻🕊
Here in a personal story one feels the curiosity, shock at discovery and pain of knowledge. What one holds dear torn away in a moment of awareness. Now memories must be hidden and buried but their bare spot remains a reminder that can not be erased. So elegantly and innocently presented in poetic story form. A story true but metaphor as well. Lovely Cassie and for dredging so deep in the archetypes of humanity deserves a fave
Many thanks for your lovely review and especially for the fave sorenbarrett. Your thoughts are very much appreciated. Have a good day.
Oh...so heartbreaking. I knew a pup named Shadow, too; he actually shook skunk spray all over me. I loved him anyway! Anyway, this beautifully haunting and sad poem, Cassie. Well done! 🌹👏
Thank you Tristen. Probably my first experience of death. We all loved that little pup. Hope all is ok with you and you have a great Wednesday.
You are welcome, Cassie. I apologize for my delayed response. I got sick with a nasty cold, and I am just emerging on the other side of it. Other than that, I am well! 🙂 I wrote my first poem last night since being sick, so I am slowly emerging back to the land of the living! 🤪
Good to hear you are on the mend Tristen. Will look out for further poems from you. All the best.
Thank you, Cassie!
Now that tugs at all the heartstrings, wonderfully written.
Thank you Tobani. That little pup still tugs on mine. Have a good Wednesday. All the best to you.
You are very welcome
Thank you dear poet.
So powerful in imagery, I literally was there watching, you made me feel every bit of emotion, and brought me to animals and indeed people who I've lost. My dear Cassie kudos a thousand times. 🌹
Dear Teddy, so hard when we lose our pets, and children I am sure feel it more. My first experience of death. Hope you are having a wonderful week dear poet and I send my thanks to you for all your encouragement. 💜🌹
The same age at which we lost our family cat (motor accident) Same childhood pain and my first acquaintance with death... So few words, such a complete picture. A polished truth Cassie.
Thank you Dave. My first experience of death too. So hard losing our pets at any time, but young children struggle more with the loss. Nice to have a visit from you, sending all good wishes.
Oh, so sad. After years it still hurts. When we lost our collie when we were young, my brother searched for years to find one exactly like him. He was in his forties when he fulfilled his dream. Your poem brought it all back for me. Thank you, - Phil A
Thank you Phil. Shadow was a border collie too. I appreciate your words. Difficult for children to accept the loss of their pets. Pleased you stopped by. All the best to you.
Such memories are always within us Cassie and come back at unexpected times.
Andy
Many thanks Andy for sharing your thoughts. Have a good Wednesday. All the best.
So sad. The painis palpable. Powerful write.
Many thanks Thomas. Yes, it wasa painful time for little me. We all loved that little pup. Have a good Wednesday.
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