An Ode to Jiggs (4/24/90 to 5/11/05)

Each death is so unique
so precious
equal to each life
We put Jiggs to sleep today
only we hope he’s not asleep

We hope he’s running the fields
catching balls that Jamie is throwing

Jamie’s life ended so violent, so tragic
so soon

Jiggs died peacefully at home
Within the loving arms of his human father
One hundred and twelve years old in dog years
So peaceful, so planned
So after its time

A rose was given on this day, a Peace rose
from Jamie through Linda, what synchronicity
as I sit here on Jamie’s bench
taking in all the beauty and sadness of this day, pondering

Who can solve the mystery of life and death?
certainly not we, so small in our knowing
We can only hope and, if lucky, believe
In the gift of life, the uniqueness of death and the ideal of life eternal.

Copyright
Elene Y. Bratton
5/11/05