Poetry Meme

[themostepotente]

This has been in my inbox for almost three months now. Right about the time my Mia fell ill (she's all better now!), a friend and I were discussing our kitties and how we'd always have cats in our lives, despite the inevitability of death again and again. I really, really hate it when unsympathetic arseholes say 'Oh, well it's just a dog. Or, it's just a cat.' I had Frisky for 19 years. The same amount of time I knew my father before he passed. There's no way you can have a friend that long and not become attached. It made me think of Kipling's poem. This makes me tear up every time I read it.

The Power Of The Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

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 for 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 for 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 for the 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-time 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?

--P

Recs soonish. And an H/D discussion.

Comments

[kellychambliss.livejournal.com]

My cats died in 1998, 2005, and 2008, and I still miss them. You're right -- only idiots say "it's only a..."

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

They are essentially our children, yes? I am sorry to hear about your kitties, hon. I know I still think about mine, too. *hugs*

[snapesbeatrice.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear that your kitty is well now.

A lot of people who grew up on farms don't see their dogs and cats as companions but as working animals, so they're not always that understanding. And then there are the people who are just plain heartless gits.

I'm watching "Half Blood Prince," and while writing this Hermione explained that her parents are dentists and the other students give her a blank look. Same reaction as some people to our love of pets, ha. ;-)

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Thank you, dear. I do appreciate that muchly. It only took about $1500 worth of vet visits, but she's still with me and back to her old self, so I am grateful for that :-)

[tiffosis.livejournal.com]

that is a beautiful poem. i've never seen that one. i enjoyed it much. thank you for sharing.

you're so right. it doesn't matter of you've had your furry child for 6 months or sixteen yearsm the pain is all the same.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Aww, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I was only too happy to share as it's one of my favourite poems ♥

[joanwilder.livejournal.com]

I've always like this one.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Me, too! I knew I kept this in my inbox for so long for a reason ♥

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's very true. I still miss my dogs. They all had personalities of their own

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Well, hello there, Shiv! Good to see you here ♥ How are you doing?

Yes, they are all wonderful in their own little ways, because they are so very different from one another. And we never stop missing them. I still miss the kitty I lost to cancer, and it's been five years.

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

I'm fine, thanks!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Good to hear :-)

[onthehill]

OH! I've never seen that before, and now I'm all teary =(
Thanks for posting it (I think)

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

It's a beautiful poem, and I'm so glad I could share it with you <3