February

[jdf]

under a cold snow moon
we walked a timeworn trail
on winter nights last year
as you became old and frail

I wrapped you in your vest
to keep you from the wind
knowing within my heart
your life would soon end

there was never enough time
to keep you forever close
there may never be the time
to recover from this loss

∞

the seventh of next month
marks the first year without you
with all my heart and soul
my sweet Roxy I love you

[jason]

jdf, edit your post and instead of the character you had (or the now question mark) use the following without spaces (i put a space so you can see the code, otherwise it would be the symbol).

& #8734;

without spaces = ∞

[jdf]

Thanks, Jason -

This poem is the last in a small volume entitled "A Book of Days" written over the year following Roxy's death. Thank you for helping me get it right...Jim

[E's]

Yet... when we come to think about it, the question mark is also a valid symbol for infinity, is it not...

Thank you for the lovely lines, Jim.

Roxy's story has taught me a great deal about my relationships to my own beloved pets, and continues to do so.

In a real time sense, it doesn't seem possible (as we say) that Roxy has been gone almost a year...

Thus, the examples re brave acceptance of loss without forgetting or negating such loss, set by folks like you and Magnum's Mom and Doglady et al are that much more important to all of us - as well as constituting one of the most positive factors of the whole Online experience IMO: Such sharing brings us together and aids the growth of our humanity...

You remain in our thoughts, Jim. May the Great Spirit of the Universe be always with you.

Dot B
New Orleans

[Magnum's Mom]

Beautiful, jdf. I will miss your monthly poems. Somehow, it would be nice if you keep posting things about Roxy.

The seventh of next month marks the fourth year since I first knew Magnum was not long for this earth. He lived exactly six more months, against all odds. I held him close and did everything I could for him, but could not hold him forever. Now he is forever in my heart.

Lots of love from Mom, Athena, and Tiger.