I Cannot Thank You Enough: A Poem

I cannot thank you enough,

for being the reason

that I stayed in this world

every time I didn’t 

think I could. 

—

I cannot thank you enough,

for loving me so unconditionally

and letting me hold you

when I couldn’t breathe. 

—

You soothed my wounds

and stood by my side

to help me make it 

through it all. 

—

There was so much love

in the way that you 

saw me.

—

You were the first

in my life

that made me feel safe,

that I knew would

lay their life down for me

in a moment. 

—

You might not have known,

but I think you did. 

I didn’t have to beg you

to believe me

or listen to me.

You just did. 

—

And even though

you couldn’t speak,

you knew every ounce

of fear

and sadness

that I felt.

—

I cannot thank you enough,

for waiting to draw your last breath

until I got to you.

You knew we needed to say

our goodbyes 

and even then 

you tried to protect me

from the devastation 

that I felt 

when you had to go. 

—

And I know 

that you’re waiting

on that rainbow bridge,

and you will greet me

with that same love,

still in your caramel eyes. 

—

That deep, growl-bark

will beacon me and 

the white on your chest,

gleaming against the rest

of your black fur

will stand proudly.

—

Your gray chin

and that same toothy smile 

you gave me every day

after school

will greet me.

—

And I will feel safe again.

• Comfort
• Dog
• love
• mental health
• RainbowBridge
• safety