Mama Loves

Twenty years. For the first time in two decades, I am celebrating Thanksgiving, {and the Christmas season}, sans sharing it with a living dog. For the first time since 2010, Rose will NOT be pacing, scratching on her Uncle Michael’s securely closed bedroom door, and barking loudly at me, {as my Mom cuts turkey in our kitchen}, while I simultaneously try to watch television in Michael’s bedroom, and I repeatedly tell Rose: ‘Nothin’ I can do about it. I know you want some turkey. You’ll get some. Don’t you always? Nothin’ I can do about it.’ The holiday season, {especially my first one}, without either Shadow or Rose is always very emotionally hard on me. But, I will try to count my blessings on this Thanksgiving Day, not my losses. Because truth be told? I shared twenty Thanksgiving holidays with two Beautifully Unique mixed breed dogs, {Shadow and Rose}, during what feels like two completely different lives. And even though I am missing Rose very bad right now? I have been blessed. I wrote all three of these poems before Shadow and Rose were euthanized. Happy Thanksgiving!! Peace and Love, Mary Lou

Edited by Kara Kent!!

{My ‘love poem’ to Shadow}

Mama loves your German Shepherd ears;

Which are loyal and very sincere;

Plus that beautiful ‘blond’ fur;

From the Golden Retriever;

Mama loves those German Shepherd eyes;

A deep brown which never criticize;

Plus that pink Golden Retriever nose;

You were born special and duly so!!

*****

Edited by Kara Kent!!

{My original ‘love poem’ to Rose}

Mama loves your big, light brown, Beagle eyes;

They are expressive, so playful, and sly;

Mama loves that German Shepherd body;

Which neighbors could determine before me;

Mama loves those soft, floppy, Beagle ears;

You are special to me, is that not clear?

*****

Edited by Kara Kent!!

{My new ‘love poem’ to Rose}

Mama loves your floppy Beagle ears;

They are velvet-soft, like plush reindeer;

Mama loves your German Shepherd body;

Although you are a guess, my mystery;

Mama loves your brown and round Beagle eyes;

Those eye shadow-like black rings, I don’t despise;

Mama loves your German Shepherd markings;

With their dual black and brown colorings;

Though the Beagle within you is strong, not weak;

You’re special, and Beautifully Unique!!