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Poetry


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Sparky

By Talisker

20 December 2006

Sparky 1991 - 2006 RIP

Something was amiss in Mother’s house,

no lusty, baritone bark like bugle call,

no clickety-click gallop of eager claws,

no slobber-jawed exuberant kisses.

A half-hearted Christmas tree mocked the dim-lit room.

Tragicomic garlands appeared as funeral wreaths.

All was sombreness, bitter-sweetness, heartache,

a yawning, yearning hole, shaped like Sparky.

Gerry brought him home in ninety-one,

Cup-handed, eyes red-rimmed he offered him up,

and begged for his little lungs to be spared the painful

rush of cold burn-water.

He grew to Labradorian proportions,

with chocolate coat and chestnut eyes,

a heartbreaking, tender big lad.

A real-life Scooby-Doo,

with love for all and some to spare.

But now, suddenly, he is gone.

The ghost-dog of Christmases past.

No more the frosty walks.

No more the get-up-mum-kisses.

No festivity, just sorrow and nostalgic smiles.

Sparky, we are glad you came our way.

Oli (20/12/06)

Reviews

Written by Witzl (1585 comments posted) 20th December 2006

As you know, I'm a one-dog woman, and I've already loved my dog, and she is now gone and that is that and I'm back to cats. But this touched me, nevertheless. After the loss of a dog, you do notice the absence of those particular sounds, the bark that suddenly isn't there, the missing clack of dog toenails on the floor.

Here is hoping that a new, different canine comes your way -- not to fill that gap, which cannot be filled (I like the phrase 'a yawning, yearning hole shaped like Sparky'), but can nonetheless be plugged somewhat, until memory fades.

Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3567 comments posted) 20th December 2006

I don't know how this measures up as a poem but as honest expression of emotion is was sublime. It really got to me as I remembered our old dog and could empathise completely.A thin line between sentiment and sentimentalilty but you never once strayed over and it was all the better for it .
The little buggers do leave paw prints on your heart and you have to accept you will outlive them.
cheers
J

As above
Written by Josie (2846 comments posted) 20th December 2006

I agree with all the above reviews. I could have written them. Our home is so empty now that our little Jack Russell has died. I don't have my best friend to share my life, my home, my soul. No friendly bark of welcome - and no knowing looks. I can put my hand down, but no little muzzle slips into it. And don't say "Buy another one". That sort of remark is the same as telling someone who has just lost their husband to find another one. One doesn't replace another. Well written Talisker.

Written by Thatllbemethen (83 comments posted) 20th December 2006

The fourth stanza said most of it for me the BBS said the rest.

Heartfelt.

Written by Phil (6963 comments posted) 21st December 2006

Having been dogless since the age of four (vague memories of large, black, disobedient hound) I don't share that canine heritage, but could feel the emotion expressed in this just fine.

All the best, Phil.

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