' 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

[Marie]

Oh, what a very emotional write on such a very sad occasion, Tom. So very sorry to read about "Bunny", bless her. A devastating scene to wake up to in the morning. Your dog thought she was doing you a great service, not realising the truth! I hope you have learned to forgive yourself now and that you are fully healed, dear friend. It was a learning lesson for you, but sad that a life has been lost in the process. A healing hug your way! Thank you for sharing, Tom...

[Tom]

Thank you Marie, yes all those years ago and I often still think of ' Bunny' and your welcome words do help to relieve the guilt I still feel, thanks again my friend!!

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear Tom. Have a very nice day and a lovely lonhg weekend too...

[Gee]

S**t happens Tom...sadly.
Never kept rabbits as pets so do not fully understand the attachment, I'm a cocker spaniel man myself.
Enjoyed, if that the right word, reading this.

[S. Nesbit-Davis]

Your feelings eloquently come through the writing and evokes personal memories. Our pet rabbit appeared to have committed suicide and I blamed myself for not playing with him enough...not understanding then that it was in his nature to escape.

[Tom]

Yes you're so right my friend, a rabbit is not an ideal pet to remain closed up, say unlike a hamster, pet mice etc. But if they recieve lots of attention and have enough room to do what rabbits do they'll be happy, unfortunately I forget to close him properly in his hutch that evening!

Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

[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

[Tom]

Six years late I know ( forgive me Annette ) thank you so much for your review and compassionate understanding of my poem!

[D Connolly]

I'm sure Bunny forgives you, and Sasha was, after all, just doing her duty. Such a sad day for you, I'm sorry :(

[Einstein Noodle]

oh man! so sad ..very emotive write ..i feel for you my friend ..want to say all the things that a sense to say yet do nothing to help you in this struggle ...of course it was no animals' fault (including human)
we had a beautiful Samoyed named Sasha .. that got into our neighbors chickens ..it was the second killing that moved us to put her up for adoption where chickens don't live .. but that was a different story tho i am reminded of her ..so sorry for your lost pet sir! :(
E.

[tanmay7551]

Oh, the poor bunny! But I believe dog has lived upto expectation. Have seen such cases where they have waited for days and just one chance - Done. Not your fault... and if at all then yes, Like you prayed to God, May there be peace.

[Antoñyo]

Sorry for your loss, and yes, rots have some jaws.
Interesting read. Thanks for sharing

[barleygirl]

Having dogs & bunnies most of my life, I can relate to every well-expressed line. Your story is heart-wrenching & straightforward, understandable to those who haven't had the experience of these pets, becuz you include so many realistic everyday details to bring your vignette to vivid life. I'm sorry for this happening. I know how the visuals will haunt your mind for years to come.

[Tom]

Thank you barley-girl for your understanding & sympathetic thoughts !

[EileenMarie]

Things done without malice are accidents. The loss of a pet is a hard part of life & very upsetting.
I'm sorry about your bunny :(
Nicely written

[Tom]

Thanks again Eileen for your compassionate response !