Poem submitted by Jim Jensen ('50)


IF IT SHOULD BE
 
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.
 
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
 
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You'll not want me to suffer, so, 
When the time comes please let me go.
 
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
 
Do not grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do,
We've been close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
 
Anonymous..submitted to "This England", 
Autumn 1998, by John Slater, West Riding, 
Yorkshire, who received it from his vet when
he had to put his dog to sleep.