I wasn't there.
But I felt
your confusion
the morning you woke
to find that you could no longer walk.
I was miles away
But i felt
your shame.
Unable to rise
to greet visitors at the door...
I was right beside you
In my heart
When Daddy carried you
one last time into the woods.
Maybe you thought he was taking you hunting?
I could see the trust
In your eyes
even though this time
the gun was pointed at you.
Did it hurt? Or was it quick like he promised?
I can't wait
To see you again
Dakota, my best friend.
Your trust in me never wavered
Although I swore I'd be there...and I wasn't.
Author notes
My Black Lab, Dakota, had to be put down while I was away at collge. This was really hard to write. I know it may not be that great, but it is a true reflection of my feelings.
A contest entry
- Black Labs...Man's Best Friend by forever-hoping.
900 points, ended March 27, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The Beauty In Pain! by bangbaby.
300 points, ended June 18, 2008, 91 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - I've lost a loved one...Please help me by Chrissy626.
400 points, ended May 18, 2008, 11 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Make this THE largest Contest EVER on AP [enter, enter, enter!] by Symphony.
18000 points, ended April 28, 1014 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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OMG, that is so sad! I'm sorry for your loss! =(
At the beginning, I actually thought that it was a girl who couldn't walk, but then up to the third paragraph where the father took it hunting, I knew it was a dog. Then I knew he would kill it. I actually felt like crying (but I don't cry easily when reading things =P)
I actually liked it that the boy could actually feel what the dog was feeling, even though he was so far away, it's like they were bonded together wherever they were. It's really touching. =)
Good luck in the contest! =D
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This brought tears to my eyes; even though it was written in freeverse style which isn't usually of great interest to me, the way you said it really touched my heart -
It sounded like it came straight from your own heart, and just picturing those big brown eyes that all Labradors have, and the confusion, and worry that your girl must have gone through without you ...
There's a book that this [really] remidned me of, and I do suggest you read it, it's called "Jack" by umm, feck, someone Walker. I can't remember his first name; I'll google it shortly, but ti's about the life of his Belgian Shepehrd - from birth to death, written in a fictional manner, but based on true story. I think you will identify with much of it.
Thank you so much for entering this in my contest
&& I'm sorry for yoru loss, particularly that you weren't there to be with her 
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thats so sad
oh my gosh, thats really sad im glad i changed my contest to allow pre-writes, because it was worth it just to read this. I remember the vet telling me that it might get to the day where i would have to put her down, and all i could do is cry. it is so sad. As i was reading this and i got to the part where the dad was carrying the dog out to the woods, i honestly felt like crying. its a horrible feeling, and the only comfort we can seek is that we know our friend is in no pain. although it only helps so much. Thank you for this entry, and im glad you were able to write it. Very strong piece. thank you again, and good luck in the contest.
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so sad i am sorry this had to happen dear.
amazing poem your hurt is clear in here.
thanks much -
im sorry i to had lots of dogs that have died ive gone threw 4 pets deaths it not easy especially when u have to put them to sleep my dog had to be and i was standing right there as it happened and to see my dad cry they had that dog before i was born to just last year
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This is great- You have a natural talent to deliver the emotions- goosebumps again! Thank you for sharing!!! Awww puppy....
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This kind of connection does not require physical presence in the waning hours.
Although feeling this way is perfectly natural, the heart goes beyond time and space....
You both gave love....it was ever so cherished...left to be continued in another time.....some day we will all understand.
Very touching and well written.
Thank you for reading my work and taking the time.
It is the single best thing that one human being can do for another...give of their time .
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Oh.My.Goodness.
My jaw dropped at the lines
"When Daddy carried you
one last time into the woods.
Maybe you thought he was taking you hunting?"
That's the only time I realised what was going on and it really was a jaw-dropping moment. Feeling leaks through this in the amazing way people usually only manage to use for other people, so that's testament to your talent. Well done.x x x
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I remember when this happened...you cried on the phone as you told me. I really like your recollection of it. So sad and touching. Nicely written!
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oh wow i had that lump in my throat, too. i think this is one of the most emotionful poems i've read. I love it, great write.
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Okay that was sad. I love Black Labs.... I had one a long time ago and someone poisoned him.
So... This one really made me cry.
SO it was a very emotional write.
Keep up the great job. I enjoyed reading this...even though I'm in a college library with weirdos looking at me as I cry. lol -
I read this with a lump in my throat. The way you've structured this has added so much to the effect... the one-liners are windows into the past that reveal so much about your feelings, and every other stanza is brimming with so much emotion that it's hard to even contemplate the pain you must have felt.
This is surely the greatest tribute for Dakota, because you have turned your feelings and sadness into a true piece of beautiful artwork, written in such a way that the reader empathises and becomes so involved that they can almost physically feel the biting pain that the poem was born of.
A beautiful, compelling write that would make Dakota proud.
God bless,
ELW x
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You say that it may not be great. But it is great. I feel the greatest poems are not those that are made up to be perfect, flow perfectly, rhyme...but those poems that you write from your heart. The ones that really mean something to you, and everyone can relate to. I read this and I have a lot of emotions myself. I think of my puppy that we had to put down last year. I remember the questions I had asked myself, and how bad I felt when I promised her that I would be there, too. I also wasn't there when she got sick, and even though I wasn't in the room when the vet put her down, I felt horrible for not being at her side. But I also felt horrible for the pain she felt, and how badly I wanted her to understand. I feel the same way with the trust issue, our pets trust us and love us, expect us to protect them..and when we can't do that, it just hurts. We want to protect them. I am sorry for your loss, I know how badly this is hurting you right now..and what you did with the writing of this poem is exactly what I did when I lost Abbie. My best friend.
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Anyone who has a dog for a best friend can relate to this. It fits the contest topic well. Actually this poem made me cry! Sorry for your loss. Good luck in the contest.
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A very sad and heartfelt write---I feel for you with the experience!--best of luck in the contest and please click the link below!
http://allpoetry.com/poem/3938095
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This made me cry...for those who have black labs, or really any dogs can relate to this I am sure. Your poem seems almost parallel to what I experienced as well. Thank you for entering!
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