Goodbye, Riley
Written & Contributed By
Trina Lusse


My eyes filled up with tears as I heard the news,
Frozen in horror of how much I was about to lose.
 
Sitting in that car I felt horribly impaired,
Like it was time wasted that we could have shared.
 
I barely let the car stop as I jumped out and ran,
Just to see you - as fast as I can.
 
I wanted to tell the vet to go away,
I thought I had more time, at least one more day.
 
You were happy just the very day before,
Loveable and playful, your usual encore.
 
But today you look weak, tired and frail,
I watched you cough and winced at your exhale.
 
I stared at you paralyzed, unable to blink,
A decision has to be made, no time to rethink.
 
Time goes by slow - and time goes by fast,
These short moments together would be our true last.
 
I unbearably persuaded you towards your fate,
Watching the needle - knowing it was almost too late.
 
I whisper gently, masking my hurt to ease yours,
My heart flipped pages of two friends’ beautiful memoirs.
 
Tears run freely now…I lose all control,
Needle two goes slowly and I watch you lower your poll.
 
My gentle giant's legs fold and quickly give way,
His body laid down in quiet dismay.
 
Your loving heart starts to slow as you take your final breath,
I curled into your neck and listened to the sad sound of death.
 
I touched your face, your eyes cold and vacant,
I expect to hear my heart shatter at any moment.
 
I lay with you, wondering how this could be?,
Why God would separate my beautiful horse and me.
 
So still was your body lying in the long grass,
The warmth of your neck as my soft head rest.
 
Please know you taught me absolutely all I knew,
When tomorrow starts without you…
 
Remember me, I’ll remember you,
and never forget how much I love you.