No More – A Tribute to Holly

It's hard to believe that it's been just over five months since we took dear sweet Holly for that final trip to the vet. We are blessed to have her share our life and home for 10 1/2 years.

Even now, the house seems very quiet and empty. Although she has permanently left us, I still feel her presence. I have moments when I want to check on her, give her a pat, take her for a walk... I even expect to see her in the kitchen hoovering the floor, while I prepare a meal.

I'm glad that I started my COVID-19 walking project without Holly by my side. If I had taken her along with me when I began in September 2019, every step after February 27th would have been a painful reminder of her absence.
Holly and I enjoy sitting on the bench on the patio.
Holly enjoying the morning sun on the bench.

No More...

walks in the park

or treks after dark

No more...

help in the kitchen

nor ears that turn to listen

No more...

help at hand: "Fetch the phone!"

If I should fall and be alone

No more...

wet paws and dog boots

and all-weather suits

No more...

"crackle eyes" and

a gaze that seeks to appraise

No more...

sitting so discreetly

one paw crossed over the other, so sweetly

No more...

dog hair in my bra

Yes, that seemed to be the law!

No more...

hops in the car, t'wasn't ever a chore

for trips to the "store"

No more...

crushed shoes

while waiting and suffering the blues

No more...

expensive pills to administer

nor diapers that are so "sinister"

No more...no more...no more.

Holly with the phone in her mouth.
Holly's head is on my lap.

A Tribute to Holly

Holly, alone and overlooked

Locked in your tiny cell

How good it felt to bring you home

Your early life was hell

No housetraining, afraid of men

Even the broom terrified you

You realized that you were safe

Oh, you were a handful

A loveable bundle of nerves

But "home" became the place

You recognized and embraced

You draped your neck across my knee

As if to say, "Love me."

Warm mornings, we'd sit in the sun

Before the day had begun

Often, I'd catch you staring at me

Your "kohl-lined" crackle eyes

Seeming to memorize

My gestures and my intentions

Oh, you sensitive girl

Upon my shoes, you would curl

You stayed as long as you could

Of that, I am assured

To you, I sadly bid adieu

I'm still here, where are you?

We're on a walk on the dyke trail at Boundary Bay.
Holly is close by my chair - all the better to be scratched by me!
A close-up of Holly. So pretty in her new red collar!
Holly waiting for someone to throw her the ball.

3 Replies to “No More – A Tribute to Holly”

  1. Oh goodness. Your tribute poem made me teary-eyed. So beautifully and sensitively written, Marianna. Holly sounds and looks like such a sweet, soulful and spirited girl. Her kohl-lined eyes always will be a vision imprinted in your memory, now ours.

    May you continue to heal with the memories forever sealed in your heart.

    Warm regards,
    Jacqui

    1. Dear Jacqui,

      You captured Holly’s essence perfectly, especially the “spirited” part. As you have your own fur babies, I know you comprehend how they enrich our lives. I appreciate your kind words.

Add a comment!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.