Jackson's eyes

Our life was one of privilege

'til Jackson crossed The Rainbow Bridge

But the day will come when you and I

Find peace again in Jackson's eyes.

 

Until that time let's drift on back

'pon breezes sweet of fresh-cut grass.

Let's waft as bubbles through summer haze

And live again those Golden Days ...

 

... A Golden Boy with face aglow

Runs and laughs with Bubble-Blo.

Streaking past this sun-kissed boy

Bounds Golden Dog unleashed in joy!

 

Flying, leaping through the air,

This wily dog with freaky hair

Tries snapping up those spheres of soap

He pants for more, 'I hope! I hope!'

 

Sharing in this Kodak scene

Are Dad and Mom (the fitness queen)

As Jackson leaps too close and high

Dad shouts, 'Hey watch out for the little guy!'

 

(How could these two have realized

When taken in by chestnut eyes

That caring for this furry one

Would help prepare them for a son!)

 

Now their son's a strapping pup

With years - and tears - of growing up

For clouds obscure the clear blue sky

They drift across Jack's lovely eyes.

 

Although he's ill Jack does not fret

He laps up all the love he gets.

There is little they will not spare

In loyal love, heroic care.

 

But comes one sacred August night

When Golden Dog meets Golden Light

Blessed with tears from Master's eyes

Jackson sleeps when Midnight's nigh.

 

With plume a-wagging, Jackson lopes.

We're left behind. We're sad, we mope.

'Cross Rainbow Bridge and to Dog Heaven

He's at Home in six minutes - seven.

 

Furry angels with no reserve

Throw Jack the party he deserves.

Back on Earth we pray he's fine

To ease our worries, God sends this sign:

 

Forever now when daylight's stolen

And clouds assume a soft red-golden

When copper colors warm the skies

We'll feel the love from Jackson's eyes.

 

Like rich brown caramel, soft and sweet

Those liquid eyes were full and deep.

Depending on the eyebrows' shift

He looked quite funny and sometimes miffed!

 

He taught us much, that furry beast

Compassion, Humor and Love on a leash.

Throughout his life, he opened our souls

To Joy, to Sorrow - both make us whole.

 

While we must grieve, let's not forget

Over the Rainbow we'll join our pet!

Yet, we feel we're not apart -

For Jack left paw prints on our hearts.

 

I'll never, ever forget you, Jack.

 

Love, Ellen

 

(Ellen Szalinski; for Tom, Sheryl and Matthew, in memory of Jackson, Golden Retriever)

*****

I tried to contact the author to obtain a permit. Unfortunately, I found only the email address eszalinski@childrensmemorial.org but my mail was undeliverable.