Bean
I found you in a shelter, cold and wet,
your dark, expressive eyes fixed on my own.
They told of yearnings unfulfilled as yet;
I knew without a doubt I’d bring you home.
You snuggled close, my wool coat wrapped within;
The start of many happy years with you
Your long, soft fur so gently kissed my skin,
And countless hard times you have helped me through.
Since you’ve been gone; I hold you in my heart,
your warm affection, kind and gentle way.
Through all those years, I dreamed we’d never part,
Almost two decades at my side you stayed.
Hot tears hold memories of boundless joy,
sweet Bean, my tiny, dancing canine boy.
Jan Mennite lives on the California Central Coast and is a semi-retired tax professional.
Jan, those are precious sentiments and I can feel your sense of loss.
Thank you Roy; that means a lot.
A lovely tribute, Jan, to a beloved pet. I’m very much a dog person — I love my Bianca as if she were my child — and so this poem touched me quite a bit. You have my sincere condolences on the loss of Bean.
Thank you, Brian. I appreciate your kind condolences and hope your Bianca also enjoys many happy and healthy years with you.
My wife and I know exactly how sharing your life with a pet, particularly a dog, is filled with countless hours of affectionate devotion, Jan, and provides us all with a beautiful memory when we lose them. A very moving piece. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment, Mark. I’m glad to hear that you and your wife also have such joys and memories to hold and help you through your loss.
A very touching tribute to your much-loved pet. You were lucky to have found each other.
Thank you, Cheryl, for your kind comment.
A lovely, personal poem to a friend that’s passed.
Thanks for the read, Jan.
Thank you, Paul; yes, a true friend. I appreciate your kind words.
“Hot tears hold memories of boundless joy.” What expressive opposites, Jan! From beginning to end of your story and your poem, sweet Bean dances gently. My sympathies in his loss and my admiration for your way of telling this mutual tale.
Thank you, Margaret, for your kind reflections and sympathies and comforting, uplifting remarks.
Jan, I’m so sorry to hear about your dear little Bean. What a special little chap he was. May sweet and furry memories warm your heart.
Yes, truly special and cherished–thank you, Susan, for your kind words.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed reading about your journey with Bean. May he rest in peace and may your memories keep him alive alongside this poem.
Thank you, Paul, for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about Bean.
The many critters in our house for almost 25 years have all been a rescue. They give us a special kind of love that is never to be forgotten. Thank you for phrasing that so eloquently.
Thank you, Bob, for your kind and thoughtful comments. They truly do give us a special kind of love that is never to be forgotten. We rescue them…and they rescue us.
This is a lovely sonnet, Jan.
Bean is so cute! Thank you for giving him many extra years of life.
What a sweet comment; thank you so much, Mary! It was my great pleasure and privilege to care for Bean, even as he cared for me.