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Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends,
so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are
restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.

Suddenly, he breaks from the group,
flying over the green grass, faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and
your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life,
but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together .........

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Misunderstood
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage, Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry - So much to regret.
Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top.
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my bowl hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things and take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see.
But I do come with baggage -
So will you still want me?

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Do I Go Home Today? By Sandi Thompson
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me, and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me, and laughed at me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them – all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I’m very proud to say.
These are things I’ll not forget – a cherished memory.
Because now I live in a shelter – without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me, when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn’t know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought it was the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped one by one; they said they hadn’t time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked, all day long, just to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, then they each kissed me goodbye.
If only I’d had some classes, when I was just a little pup.
Then I would have been a better dog, when I was all grown up.
“You only have one day left” I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?

DO I GO HOME TODAY ?

© Sandi Thompson

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