Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Golieths Lil Diamond Smidgen
"Smidgen"
3/29/2002 ~ 3/1/2010





































The Power of the Dog

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?


Rudyard Kipling


6 comments:

Tatersmama said...

R.I.P. little Smidgen.

Bz, this is simply a beautiful post.. full of bright and happy memories - even at such a sad time.
And the poem? It's just perfect in every way...

They have a way of filling our hearts up, don't they?

*Hugs to you*, my dear friend.

Tonia Lee Smith said...

Just found your lovely blog, Looks like you have a big baby on your hands. I like the picture of the one with both the dog and the cat.

chris blog said...

I don't know you, but your blog and pictures moved my heart and have blessed me...This is absolutely beautiful...you must have had a deep bond with your dog...special to see how he just sits there and watches television with such poise and attentiveness...you also have a beautiful family...God bless you and your family.

ms Givens said...

Great picture history. Handsome doggy!
I have a boxer and she is so sweet. I cannot imagine a world without my Boxer.

Tatersmama said...

Just letting you know that I'm thinking about y'all and hoping that your hearts are beginning to heal.
I'll send you an email today, if I get the chance... okay?
xoxoxo

phlegmfatale said...

What a grand beast Smidgen was, and I know she was a great blessing to your family, and you to her. My heart goes out to you at your loss, but it looks like she left a magnificent piece of herself in the form of that harlequin.