Because I could not stop for Death –
he kindly stopped for me –
with catch poles taut and muzzle tight
unable now to flee.
He quickly drove – no time to waste
as others brought on board
are forced into each crowded crate
though some were gently lured –
We passed the park, where families play
with puppies – in the grass
We passed the School of Canine Fun
where we'd jog round the track –
My owner – now buried
her heart finished beating and chilled
but as we pass her resting place
her scent calls to me still.
We pause before the jailhouse gate
my howling fears resound
and then drive past the dumpster
where silenced lives are found.
My body soon shall join them
just one more thrown on the heap
but as I go, heart beating slows
I cry to her - then sleep.
Author notes
My apologies to E. Dickinson
Option 1
Written March 7th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- Animal Shelter. three options. by Poetic-Dreamer.
300 points, ended March 8, 2006, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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unable2fly,
Thanks, I will when I feel full hearted and able to withstand to return the favor to those kennel owners.
We just had 339 dogs rescued from such a puppy mill... The sad part is they will continue to be kenneled throughout the entire legal process as well, but at least they are receiving the medical attention they need and the love of the shelter staff.
I dare say cattle are treated better than those dogs were.
As a society some say we should be judged by how we treat our elderly. I would extend that to include our animals.
Jane -
In reply to sock monkey
I definitely agree with you and I don't think one who hasn't worked 'behind the scenes' so to speak at a shelter can understand the magnitude of the job and the toll it takes on the folks who have to do what others can't.
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That's depressing. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter. Anyway, a unique, insightful poem.
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awww this is soo cute!! it made me cry!! i watched this HBO documentary the other night about an illegal dog kennel in arkansas. it was so pathetic. they had 5 0r 6 dogs to each kennel and they didnt uthanize them they just shot them in the head. if your interested in watching it its on HBO on demand under documentaries. wery good write!
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when i was a little girl i had a recurring dream in which i would go to where caged animals were held and let them free. its a poem public service announcement.
i've been reading Emily, how did you know?
Lisa
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It was nice. I love Emily Dickinson's work and this is off of one of my favotie poems. I feel you shouldn't go off of other poets work to make your own but after the first bit I couldn't tell. It was nice and good luck in this contest.
NoL
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Beautiful words used to relate a sad sad story. The rhythm and rhyme are superb. A heart rending tribute to man's best friend.
Sincerely,
Leo Long -
well done ..I am not qualified to comment on such things as rhyme,rythm or metre, Just words I have heard bandied around ..but I know what I like and dont like ..this is a nice write ..hope it does well for you ..
James -
Well now this does have a familiar ring to it. It's a good thing I don't work at a shelter. My neighbors would have me ousted off the street! A lovely rhythm with such a sad melody, with heartwrenching lyrics. Good luck in the contest.
~Michelle~
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For all those who would like to provide a loving home for a shelter animal or who have lost a pet
visit
Petfinder.com
Edited on Mar 08 because ''.
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