Jane,

I loved and adored this poem since the day you submitted it for my challenge.

I cried from start to finish. so from the emotional standpoint, this poem is a damn tear jerker.

On the poetic front, I have always admired your detail and exquisite word usage with description.

"Russets, dirt, dust, and roasting barley."

^^^^ so very pretty and creative!

Each stanza should be highlighted!

Losing a fur child is devastating and the pain and grief you have and feel is evident in each and every line.

My favorite poem by you.. hands down.

I've been looking out for this poem since Andrea's contest and I'm glad to see you finally posting it.

I love how you give him a pet name 'Orange Boy' although, I know it's not his real name...made him almost human like. Actually you talk throughout the verse as if he is human and...that's what I loved so much when I first read this poem. I talk to my dog all the time after all, he is a family member.

It is sad to loose a much loved pet and although the sadness is plain to see, you don't dwell on it, rather you celebrate his life and your times together with your words.

Just a lovely little poem Jane...really enjoyed it.

Hello Jane,

The description throughout this piece is wonderful. I particularly like the line: "Russets, dirt, dust and roasting barley".

The alliteration in that is wonderful; obviously between 'dirt' and 'dust' but the more subtle 'russets' and 'roasting'. They bookend the more obvious alliteration and it works wonderfully.
I know I am going on about that line, but I read it over and over again. It just rolls of the tongue beautifully.
As Hellon points out, the personification of the animal in question is prevalent throughout and makes the poem extremely personal.
Well written and all the best,
Ben

<3

I am deeply inlove with this poem Jane.

Thank you so much for writing this.

I've read this quite a few times and every time it just gives me this sinking feeling. It's hard to lose our little furry babies. Makes one wonder if something could have been done different to prevent anything from happening. At least, personally for me... I always wonder things like this.

Anyway, truly heart breaking write. Thank you for sharing with us.

I know there's a lot of emotion in this piece, and I think you've done a great job, but can I just for a second compliment you on your ability to structure a poem so so well? hugs to you

I don't blame you at all. Reading that actually made me cry. The hardest part is definitely the guilt, for me. I had two small dogs escape my backyard (both incidents several years apart). One was stolen, or at least I feel like she was because every single one of the fliers I put up were all taken down except for the plastic covers I stapled them in. Years later I'd still look around the streets whenever we drove by the neighborhood just hoping I'd see her. The other one, unfortunately was attacked by a much bigger dog. Someone found her in their yard and called us. She was so tiny, though, her back legs and her hips had been shattered and she never made it out of the shock. But still they escaped the same way, some tiny unseen hole through a fence. I always think I should have checked on them 5 minutes sooner and they'd still be here, or I should have stayed outside with them like I usually did.

My brother's pit bull loved both of them, too. He was depressed on both of those occasions. It was the saddest thing.

I could tell you that it wasn't your fault, but I know how hard it is to get over it. No pet could never be replaced, but it does get a little better with time. <3

Jane, this is even more touching than All I Want. It is said cats are fireproof. If only it were so, especially since they burn such a permanent mark in our souls.

Judging comment

You took a painful loss and added your talent within this poem, creating a gem.

This poem is so packed with detail I can smell, and feel this piece.

All readers I am sure sheds tears over this poem and or feels the depths of pan within this poem. Powerful piece!!