Grief Relief

Another bowl gets put away,
One less to feed tonight.
Another hound dog to the Bridge,
With guiding candlelight.

It hurts to see them go away.
Why do we have to part?
Each one that passes through my home
Leaves bruises on my heart.

And then the email comes,
Or sometimes it’s by phone.
There’s an old one at the shelter.
No one will take her home.

Is there room at House of Puddles?
Do you have an extra meal?
As I take the bowl back off the shelf,
My heart begins to heal.

-Marilyn Brazzle