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He Will Come By Gina Richey
Don't close the door, don't push me away.
Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.
Slow down the car, I can't keep up.
This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.
I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.
Every muscle is aching. Why didn't you stop?
I'm so hungry and thirsty, darkness is near.
But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.
Several weeks have passed, I'm dead on my feet.
They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.
Every car that passes, I chase it to see
If it is my master coming for me.
Though I approach those that come near
With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear,
With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,
They threaten to kill me, they don't even care.
They batter my body with rocks that they throw.
Yet I will not leave. He will come, don't you know.
Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.
I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!
I will go back to where he first threw me out.
I'll wait for him there. He will come, no doubt.
My thoughts are fading, my chest feels like lead.
I'm sleepy, so sleepy, I can't lift my head.
It's so quiet, so peaceful, all remains still.
There is my master at my home on the hill.
Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.
His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.
He decided he wants me, things will be fine.
I really do love him, that master of mine.
My tail wags with pleasure, I can't catch my breath.
He came in my dreams, but so did my death.
Do I Go Home Today? By Sandi Thompson
My family brought me home
cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me,
and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me.
They showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family,
especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me,
they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them --
all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks,
often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash,
I'm very proud to say.
They used to laugh and praise me,
when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference
between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag,
for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing
when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control,
and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand,
although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one;
they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things,
I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely,
in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long,
to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter,
but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy,
and then kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes,
as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle
when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left,"
I heard the worker say.
Does this mean a second chance?
Do I go home today?
Waiting at the Gate
I explained to St. Peter
I'd rather stay here
Just outside the Pearly Gate.
I won't be a nuisance, I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be right here chewing
A celestial bone
No matter how long you may be.
'Cause I'd miss you too much,
If I went in alone--
It wouldn't be heaven for me.
Musings, by Richard Biby, Contributing Editor, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog", or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog".
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog". Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise".
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man". So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog", just smile, because they "just don't understand".
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