' Bunny '

Yesterday was a very sad day in our house and to be honest, the pain is just as bad today...

That morning began like any other, I suppose, 

up early, let out the dogs, 

feed the chickens, 

just how it normally goes. 

The evening before, gently, I'd taken hold, 

of his cute, furry frame 

as early Spring nights, 

surprisingly, are still rather cold.  

And placed him within his safe wooden hutch 

or at least so I thought, 

unknown to me, that never again 

would I feel his warm, svelte touch. 

You see, a dog is a loyal, canine friend 

but powerful jaws, distinguish not, 

betwixt vermin or defenceless pet 

and a beloved lop-eared rabbit, met a pitiful end. 

Sasha's not to blame, it was over in a blink, 

as when that burly Rottweiler previously, 

had chased fox or dispatched rat, 

she was petted and praised, for following instinct. 

Why ' Bunny ' was outside his hutch, I cannot say, 

carelessly, had I forgotten to fasten a latch 

and inquisitive by nature, he'd jumped out to play? 

Well, if that is the case ? "God forgive me," I earnestly pray !

Author's Note

I cannot forgive myself

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Dear Tom, I understand your emotions in this very beautiful, heart-breakingly sad poem. Same thing happened to me in childhood with so sweet pet guinea pig and beloved hound dog. I have terrible flashbacks and guilt to this day. What you so well describe is a tragic accident. You did not intend this to happen. All animals have instincts they cannot be blamed for. Our pets wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge, and they forgive because they are better than us. You have a good heart my friend. God bless and comfort you always

[Lily]

As one who had many chickens, carelessly left out of the hut one night- I know the pain of guilt from such an act. All eaten but one by a fox in the night. It is the forces of nature and unfortunately mistakes happen at our hands in which we allow nature to swoop in to it's rightful place. Sad though it is. I really like this poem, and how you got the reader in touch with this small delightful animal before unfolding the chain of events that followed. Made it personally sad for the animal loving reader.

[Tom]

Yes, all animals are deserving of our respect, due care and attention and thank you for visiting and commenting so sympathetically !

[Peach]

I really was able to imagine the scene play out. Your way with words is wonderful. I feel so sorry for Bunny. I normally bear a grudge to people who let animals die, but this is a different case. Don't hate yourself for this, just imagine Bunny going to a better place than the jaws of Sasha.

[Tom]

Thank you Momo Beans for your caring and compassionate words !

[D.T.]

This makes me sad...but it's still a good poem!

[Tom]

Thank you D.T.

[Dr. Wood ?]

a guilt ridden ride for sure Tom.....

[Tom]

Yes indeed Dr Wood it was for sure, and great to see you dropping by !

[Dara]

So sad for you here Tom. I had a similiar experience. My female rabbit had a litter and I didn't realize how cold it was that night and the whole litter perished. My children took it very hard. Accidents do happen and we must remember we are only human. Your poem is very touching.

[Tom]

Thank you Dara for your sincere and comforting words and indeed, we all still miss him !

[Norman T]

I know the feeling , Tom - we had a Jack Russell that would lick the rabbit's ears, but a neighbour's spaniel leapt up at the wire pen and the rabbit died of fright.
Loved the feeling in the poem, though.

Norman

[Tom]

Thank you indeed Norman for your kind and consoling words !

[Sophy Freebirds]

owwww... :( Sad is a lame word to describe what i feel for you.There is no need to punish yourself with guilty thoughts.You must miss your pet ,i know. i lost my pup early when i was a kid.It died in cold . It was my fault . But if you continue blaming yourself it will take you nowhere.Remember its forgiving oneself that is harder than forgiving others. *Takecare friend*.Glad to see you back. :)

~Sophy

[Tom]

Hi Sophy, hope you're well and thanks for your consoling, comforting words !

[Kelly Scheppers]

Oh no, the poor little dear probably died of fright. I know your pain, for the very same thing happened to me as a child...our family dog got ahold of my sweet little bunny. I guess we don't give much thought to how incredibly vulnerable they are...we just see ears, and softness, and so much to love!

It's a hard thing to forgive ourselves for...so sorry, Tom!

[Tom]

Thank you Kelly for your kind & understanding words of support !

[Miss Sharon]

Oh Tom How I can feel your pain and sorrow my friend! But please don't beat yourself up over this. Animals are very clever and little Bunny may have found a way to open that cage. Your writing is done so elloquently and I am terribly sorry for your loss. ~Sharon

[Tom]

Than you very much Sharon for your comforting, caring words !!

[Miss Sharon]

You are so welcome my friend! ~Sharon

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Tom... All creatures love to play...
I had a beautiful pet duck that loved
me dearly... and met the same end.
Her name was Sweetie heart.
I share your pain. truly... Pat

[Tom]

Thank you so much Pat, it is comforting to know I'm not alone with such misfortunes !

[Patricia Wedel]

Tom... It is comforting to know that a dog
who loves you could save your life... but a bunny
or a duck has such a gentle love... they could
save your soul. Have a blessed Easter and Spring.
truly... Pat

[Tom]

And you too Pat..Lovely to see a bit of Spring weather at long last !

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes, we are desperate for Spring in Virginia.
The buds are bursting forth on tree limbs.
Redbud trees are my favorite. They are a
purple hue in the woods. The birdsong will
heal and nourish our heart. truly... Pat