Wednesday 29 April 2015

Rainbow Bridge

I"ll try to stick to my mission statement but I will admit there's
been way too much else to stand in the way of frippery.
Lots of sadness in and around the traps.
Massive earthquake in Nepal.
Two Australians executed alongside six others in Indonesia.
Lots of rigour at the chalkface.
 And, finally the house-muse is no more.
Here he is in better days, just sleeping.
After a bedtime story.
Last week the house-muse retired to the biggest poodle parlour in heaven.
Over the Rainbow Bridge.
That lovely soft euphemism that includes all pets
returning to their healthy state, trotting around with butterflies and birds.
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
I have been sad for days.
He was my constant for sixteen years and never disagreed with
a thing I said.
I liked him.
Nature permitted him nearly 18 years in total.
I went against good advice and gave my heart to a dog to tear.
It'll mend slowly.
I'll let it take its sweet time.
 Meanwhile, I finished off an orchid inspired and feather leaf headpiece.
Keeping occupied.
Thanks to the stunning blooms at the Orchid Society's Species Show.
 
 
 
 




The Power of the Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Rudyard Kipling

 
 This has always been one of my favourite portraits, Coco Chanel
with a cream coloured poodle, by Impressionist Marie Laurencin.
 



 


20 comments:

  1. Oh god Mel,
    I am bereft for you.
    My salty cheeks are in honour of your beautiful, precious lad.
    Im so sorry.
    <3
    Pia

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    Replies
    1. Pia, I loved reading your tribute to the love of dogs. Thank you, you are someone after my own heart. I hope yours continues to mend. xxx

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  2. Darling Flora. My heart squeezed when I read that you had lost your loving canine companion. They gently coax our affections from the depths of our souls, then return them one hundred fold, with no expectation other than a hand resting on their elegant heads now and again. Kisses to you. Your lovely boy will be there in the afterlife, soothing the souls newly arrived, as he soothed you for 18 years. I know it. Mimi xxx

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  3. Oh Flora...

    My eyes leaked a tad reading your post today.

    Squishy hugs

    Kimmie
    xxx

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    1. Dear Kimmie
      Thank you for visiting and helping me feel better. Xx

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  4. Oh Flora, so sad. We know it's a risk, but it is so worth it. May happy memories fill your mind as you keep your hands busy. XX

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  5. Oh my goodness, am so sorry my dear...lots and lots of hugs and love to you, always such a sad time!! The happy memories will keep you filled forever and I'm glad your dog was loved by you and had a happy life too!! XXXX

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    Replies
    1. Dear Kizzy, thank you for your message. X
      Yes, he had a pretty good innings. Silly to attach so much to a pet when I think of every other thing in the world - but they really are by your side for so long in some instances!

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  6. Flora, I'm so sorry to hear this. I had two dogs and was so sad when they passed. One passed within a couple months of the other one dying. They were so close. So I know how you feel. The world news is so sad! One wants to watch the news, but you're so overcome with everything going on it makes you sad. Praying for you doll. I love your orchard fascinator.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kim. I know you love your dogs. Xxx

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  7. I am so sad for you and can definitely understand how much a part of our lives pets become. Thinking of you and feeling for you.
    The world news is so awful at the moment, it's been getting me down a lot in the last week or so too.

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    1. Imogen, you are very lovely to drop by. Stay beautiful and hard-working. The world needs fantastic women like you!! :D x

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  8. Oh Flora I am so sad for you. It is always hard to lose a pet, but especially one you had had for so long. They are such big parts of our lives.
    That poem was beautiful and made me cry, I hadn't heard it before, mainly the rainbow bridge poem at times like these.

    So sorry for your loss.

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    1. It is so much a beautiful poem that one. When I first read I bawled!!! Xx

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  9. I somehow missed this post!
    Big and very late hugs my darling.
    May the poodle rest in peace.
    I love a Rudyard Kipling poem xxx

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    1. Thank you, Cilla. That poetry says it all doesn't it? Xx

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  10. So sorry to hear this dear Flora. Dogs really are family members and Poodles are practically human. My thoughts are with you and Mr Fascinator and your Frenchie. xxx

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    1. I love this 'poodle are practically human'. Yes, it's true - he and Mr Fascinata only reconciled their differences after about 10 years of knowing each, despite Mr Fascinata misses him daily because he had a little old furry pet curled all day in his home office - while I was at the chalkface. He carted him around in his arm for most of the day - if clients arrived - etc. xx

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