Little Darling

お世話になった獣医さんをはじめ、多くの友人たちから　この詩が送られてきました。またいつか会える日までさようなら、ウィルソン。待っていてね。

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content,
except for one small thing:
they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.
Suddenly, he breaks from the group,flying over the greengrass,faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

*Author Unknown*　
和訳にされたものもたくさんありますが、原文を掲載させていてだきました。虹の橋で検索すると和訳がいろいろあります。

そして、ウィルソンの存命中、何度か読んでいた「犬の十戒」も　合わせて載せておきます。旅立って行ったその時、私はブラシで毛を梳かしていました。その瞬間、私のほうを見たその目を一生忘れることはできないでしょう。十戒の最後にあるように、ひとりでは旅立ちたくなかったのでしょう。

1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will be painful for me.
Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my
well-being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock
me up as punishment. You have your work, your
entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand
your words, I understand your voice when its
speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never
forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth
that could easily crush the bones of your hand but
that I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative,
obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might
be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right
food, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my
heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will
grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say,
"I can't bear to watch it, or, "Let it happen in my
absence." Everything is easier for me if you are
there. Remember, I love you.

*Author Unknown*

少し落着きましたが、まだまだ泣いてばかりです。泣いていてはウィルソンを困らせると思いますが、やっぱりダメです。最期のことを　もう少し日が経ったら　書いてみようと思います。