Blogging From A to Z Challenge (April 2016)
The theme I’ve chosen for this year’s blogging challenge is ‘Travel’, and in keeping with my theme I have taken you along on my trips to various places to date. Some of my travel destinations are inaccessible by air, land and water and an active imagination is what you need for going to these out of the world destinations. Today I am sharing a teardrop from my eyes ; a poem about our first day without Sparky, our beloved pet Dalmatian.
The alphabet of the day is ‘N’.
Writing is very cathartic for me. As a teacher, I hear many students say that writing can be painful and exhausting. It can be, but ultimately I believe that if you push through, the process is healing and exhilarating – Francesca Lia Block
I can’t bring myself to visit the
Green Park’s coffee shop
Without breaking into a cold sweat
And fearing my heart will stop.
It is where we had halted
On our way back
From the crematorium
To delay going to a silent home
Three of us, alone
Empty handed and forlorn
Spent and lost
Heartbroken and distraught
My tears wouldn’t stop falling
My arms ached to hold my baby
I couldn’t believe she was no more
I wanted her to come back
My family feared my grief
Hid theirs to help me cope
Took me to a public place
Hoping to make my tears stop
I didn’t want to make a scene
So I pretended to be calm
They forced me to eat there
Knew I would refuse to at home
The few bites choked me
The juice burned my throat
My head wouldn’t stop spinning
My heart almost stopped beating
Sparky put her paw in my hand
Whispered in my ear
Mommy, you need to stop
These two are hurting too
I pretended to be fine
Even ate something, don’t know what
Hid my tears and tried to smile
I couldn’t be oblivious to their pain
We walked into an empty home
No barks of joy and love
No affectionate woofs
Sparky wasn’t there to greet us
It is difficult to come home
And not find her waiting by the door
Miss her excited tail wagging
Her gentle sloppy kisses
By Sulekha Rawat
Ohh dear Sulekha, so much pain in those words! I am sure Sparky would be missing you as much, your love and affection. No words can soothe or be enough to heal the gaping hole in your life but the biggest healer is of course time. With time you will get better, not forget but just that that the sadness and emptiness will dull down. Sparky would want her mum to be happy always I am sure, so stay strong. Your family needs you as much. Sending you hugs and cheers to keep smiling.
I know how tough it is… people refuse to understand that this is not a pet. It is family. It is the most unconditional form of love many of us receive in our lives.
Letting go is one of the hardest things we will ever have to do
I have never had a pet, because I am scared of animals.
But this poem revealed to me the extent of love that people-who-have-pets have for their beloved extensions of family. And when they’re gone.. it does feel like a family member has left, never to return.
I hope you’re doing better now. It’s impossible to completely forget about Sparky, because she really was an integral part of your life. But I do hope that you remember the beautiful memories you spent with her and allow it to make you happy and smile again 🙂
Hugs, and have a great weekend!
Hugs, Sulekha. That was heartbreaking to read. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to deal with. Sparky is always with you in spirit and in your memories. In a way, I feel we all know Sparky through the beautiful stories you share.
Much love!
Hugs Sulekha. Nothing can fill up the empitiness created when you lose the loved one. Sparky loves you Sulekha and is watching you move on in life without him.
Oh dear!! your words are so heartbreaking!! Sparky still lives -in your memories, in your words, in your memoire. I have lost two pets and I cannot even force myself to relive the day I got the news. Huge to you <3
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
I feel your heart, Sulekha! While Time tries to heal, there’s always be a raw spot inside us that asks “why!” and trigger the tears. I am very much looking forward to your book about dear Sparky, who is smiling at you right now in your mind! Hugs!
I have never had a pet but I am aware with them, the love is unconditional. Sorry for your loss and your upcoming book will be a great memoir.
♥ ♥ ♥