I'm sure that I remember a poem "God said I will give you a pup" - or something like that - posted on the Board - but I can't find it - I've tried searching, but probably because my recall ain't good enough (:D ) I'm getting nothing up!

I should be very grateful if someone can remember it - I'd like to send it to Shoana.

Many thanks

Margot

Is this it Margot?

John posted it when I lost Megan

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years
or maybe two or three
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
How will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come
to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know
forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If by your love, you've achieved,
in memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment
with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you, too.

-Author Unknown

Thanks Kay - that is the very one - I thought that John was involved somewhere!

Margot

Trust me to get the blame! ;) I'm not really into "Weepie" poetry, prefering to remember them as they were but one I do love is:-

THE SPIRIT OF A LABRADOR

I was standing on a hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of my Labrador Dog
Appeared suddenly at my feet.

He looked at me with kind dark eyes
An ancient wisdom shining through
And in the essence of his being
I saw his love for me too.

His mind did lock upon my heart
As I stood there on that day.
Then he told me of this story
About a place so far away.

I stood upon that hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And in a twinkling of a second
His spirit left my feet

His tale put my heart at ease
My fears did fade away
He helped me know where he had gone
When He left me on that day.

"I live among God's creatures now
In the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for me my friend
As I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbow's hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the Milky Way
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens
Among my Labrador kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud
Gentle breezes rocking me
And dream the dream of earthlings
And how it use to be

The trees are filled with liver treats
And tennis balls abound
Chew bones line the walkways
Just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set upThe grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the Best of Breed.

For we're all winners in this place
We have no faults, you see
And God passes out those ribbons
To everyone, even me.

I drink from waters laced with gold
My world a beauty to behold
And wise old dogs do form my pride
To amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in angel's arms
Her wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.

You picture me as I was on earth
Just before I died
The pain is gone, I am whole again
Filled with Labrador Pride.

So when your life on earth is spent
And you stand at Heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait."
Author - Unknown

Oh John - you've got me snivvling at my desk :(

Thanks for that though - think might try having it engraved on Purdey's bench.

Mrgot

I must admit, My choice of poetry is more on the lines of:-

Ozymandias

I met a traveler from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read,
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed,
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley
1792-1822

PBS has always been one of my favourite poets, I must admit.

Margot