A Year And A Day

Yesterday marked the saddest of times, one year since you went away;

But this one will start new nadirs of pain, for it’s now been a year and a day!

One year ago as I laid by your side, my tears flowed so endlessly;

For the morning was coming and I’d soon have let go, never again you would I see!

I’d cradled and kissed you, all through the night, since finding you lifeless asleep;

As my tears wet your body, and my cries filled the air, I prayed that the Lord your soul keep!

I turned on the music that you loved so much, gentle sounds that we’d share every morn;

But I knew this was the last time together we’d be, and I felt my heart ripped and so torn!

Then as I dreaded, the night came to end, and the sun brought the mornings’ first light;

I knew that I’d soon have to send you to God, but wanted to still hold you tight!

As my body convulsed with pain never known, I lifted you gently in air;

Laying so peaceful in your little bed, but now it was time to prepare!

I carried you out to your seat in the van, where always you’d sit by my side;

I knew that this was the last trip we would take, and for fifteen more minutes I cried!

Then I started the engine and drove you right back, to your vet we’d been the morning before;

To cremate your body and save me your ash, to cherish from that day evermore!