Jackboy’s Lament
We define ourselves in movement,
in the uncertain light and forms
shuddering by: fences, the nameless
wave, odors, dark water.
Look at the hills, their lines stretched taut like
smiles, or voices torn from the earth.
Or the creek below us – how its mouth never closes
yet nothing emerges but a shadow
on the wind. Two questions arise,
leaving only the abandoned to consider.
In our solitude, only my self is missing.
I started this piece about ten years ago, after a drive through the Texas hill country with Jackboy the cattledog, who was quite the philosopher and humorist. This is what emerged after several conversations and much reflection over his circumstances (abused, abandoned, rescued). Jack didn’t talk much, but he thought. Oh, how he thought.
It has been sixteen months. We still miss him.
you made me a bit tearful, thinking of my dogs.
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They possess that power over us.
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My childhood friend and most trusted companion passed away back in the 1980’s and I still miss him to this day…may both their celestial playgrounds be positively littered with interesting smells, squirrels and running water to stare at in silent contemplation.
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Oh, yes!
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I am sorry for your loss. As ever, your poetry moves and intrigues, so haunting and different from my clarity-driven attempts. The last line reminded me of this particular one. http://bit.ly/1KRXJy6
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Thank you for your kind words and the link. I believe the two pieces share a similar origin.
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My condolences on Jackboy. Thanks for sharing this poem inspired by him.
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He was a great dog. The sting has lessened over the past year, but I do miss his profound and goofy presence.
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Bob, oh, how I love reading your reflections on Jackboy. He was a beauty and, I feel like from what you’ve described, an old soul. He does look very contemplative, and a wonderful companion to boot. For what it’s worth, our companion pets, I feel like, never leave our sides, we who are kind and loving toward them. Beautiful poem, and, once again, I’m truly sorry for your loss of Jackboy last year.
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Thanks, Leigh. He was a sensitive soul who took great joy in doggy things, and wanted nothing more than to be with his people.
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Aww how lovely! They have that silent way of understanding and conversing with us. 😔
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They do, indeed!
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☺️
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lovely. i remember when he passed and you wrote about him. pets, they will always be with us.
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Thanks, John. Yep, I think you’re right.
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Jackboy–one of the lucky ones! He obviously had a lifelong companion who cared enough to immortalize him in words.
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All of our dogs hold special places in our hearts, but Jackboy, in part due to his circumstances and personality, rises to the forefront.
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These important parts of ourselves, when taken, the pain is always felt. We go about our lives and we find things to laugh and smile about, but in these times of solitude when they were there for us, we miss them the most. it’s been 4 years since my Pugsley passed over and times when I still cry at his absence in my daily life. My deepest sympathies to you.
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They offer much and demand so little.
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I know how you feel. It’s been 15 years since I lost Ruddy My Heart, a beautiful mixed breed dog and my ever present hiking companion. Oh, the worlds we shared! One of a very few who really knew me.
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They see us at our worst and still seek our companionship!
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Ah poor Jackboy. I love this tribute it is just perfect for a man’s best friend. You have a great heart Bob, a great big heart
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Thank you, PS. He was a one-of-a-kind dog.
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Our pets, dogs in particular become like family. Better in some ways… we get to choose them though sometimes they choose us. They are more faithful than some family and always, always love us unconditionally.
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Indeed.
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So many heartfelt comments and such a touching poem . . .I’m reminded of the enduring gift of shared travels — on the road and in life.
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The particular road that day was one we seldom used. I chose it for a change in landscape, which, as it turned out, set the poem.
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Nice. I find that sometimes inspiration comes from deepening in a familiar landscape and sometimes it flows in the new. Glad you had your time with Jackboy, and he with you.
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What a beautiful boy! So sorry for your loss. Sometimes losing a buddy is worse than losing a human. Unconditional love….we could learn a lot from our furry friends
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They’ve taught me much over the years.
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He’s a beautiful dog. I understand too well what you’re feeling.
As for the poem- your line breaks are to die for. Your feelings are so genuine, and I admire you for talking about something that can be very hard. I extend virtual hugs to you ;-; and I’m grateful that we get to share this experience with you through your words.
Tiegan
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Thank you, Tiegan. I’m so pleased you noticed the line breaks. 🙂
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Your imagery in this poem is particularly beautiful, Robert. Jackboy lives in your words.
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Thank you, Nadia. Jackboy’s DNA will be with us forever, it seems. He was a very hairy boy, and we’re still finding evidence of this in unlikely places. 🙂
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Ah, like being at the beach and finding sand in the creases of your book years later. The sea and our connection with animals, both great mysteries that leave seemingly insignificant reminders.
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Voices torn from the earth is such a fabulous turn of phrase.
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Thank you, PJ.
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🙂
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Superb
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Thank you, Candice.
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You’re very welcome Robert, your poems always touch me deeply♡
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A beautiful poem – I particularly love the hauntingly poignant closing line (“In our solitude, only my self is missing”). I’m so sorry, though, for your loss.
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Dogs’ lives are too brief! And thanks for your kind comments.
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Unfortunately, they don’t live long. Our last dog passed away about a year ago (he was twelve).
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Such a beautiful tribute. Dogs have a way of winning our hearts and they deserve to be remembered always.
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Thank you. I agree entirely.
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Tears.
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They are special to us, aren’t they?
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Sorry for the loss of your dog, and for the chats you had and miss. Dogs can be great philosophers.
There are certain animal companions–whether they are dogs, cats, horses–that are truly special and that touch our lives so profoundly that we will always miss them.
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No matter how many you’ve had, it doesn’t get any easier with repetition.
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I’m so sorry for your loss of Jack. What a lovely manner with which to memorialize him.
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Thank you, Carrie.
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Commiserations, Robert
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Thanks, Derrick.
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Wonderful and haunting💕
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Jackboy was both. Thank you.
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Beautiful and touching!
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Thank you.
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Touching, haunting, soothing, your ode to Jackboy evoked beautiful memories of my canine and feline family waiting for me in the great Beyond. Please accept my belated condolences on your loss of your beloved doggie, Jackboy.
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Thank you, Chantale. Pets capture us, don’t they?
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Aww this is so special to me. I remember my past loves and I still think of them as family and not ‘dogs’ or ‘pets’ they were my lil babies with their little personalities. May solace find you in your darkest of places with fond memories!
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They become family, don’t they?
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They sure do! They grow with you and know when you are down and vis a vis. You rely on each other for support sometimes.
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My opinion your poem touched my heart. I’ve always thought that “man’s best friend” should only pass is after our death. Too many dogs and a lot of tears when they go.
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Thanks B. It is very difficult to let them go.
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