Friday, August 18, 2006

Requiem for a Friend


You were a promise
kept with the help of a friend
for years the wife had wanted a goat
and along came you
We jokingly named you Ozzy
You were such a tiny thing
half pygmy, half big bad billy
slight in size, gentle as a lamb
but you went your own way
and never once backed down
then we got you two more friends
to help you eat the yard
bigger than you
and stronger too
but you never once backed down
You were happy to let Mysty take the lead
he was the calm collected boss without horns
while Billy was the obnoxious wanna-be
who followed Mysty all around
but you, you grazed where it suited you
and went where you damn well pleased
and never once backed down
Then came that tragic day
that Mysty met his end
Both of you knew well as I
that we had lost a friend
We gave him back to Mother Earth
and miss him to this day
and now you get to join him
to frolic, jump, and play
A sickness came upon you
and took you day by day
but you were always a tough little fuck
you never once backed down
but the cycle of life has purpose
and has a place for you
you lost your fight late in the night
but not for backing down
Tonight we say goodbye to you
our gentle little friend
We'll give you back to Mother Earth
and send you on your way
where pastures are much greener
the water sweet and pure
the hay is piled up nice and soft
no leash to hold you back
you'll eat to your little heart's content
your belly always full
and no matter how big, or strong
your brothers be
If I know you

You'll never,

ever

Back down

11 comments:

Time said...

Once again, I'm sorry to hear about Ozzy, Michael. Hope the little guy found some peace

Anonymous said...

So sorry. Much peace, Ozzy.

darlingina said...

Indeed, a very touching and beautiful tribute to Ozzy. He will be waiting up for You, to meet up with him once again, one day at the Rainbow bridge. My thoughts are with you and your family in this sad time.
Hugs, ~gina~

JP (mom) said...

what a lovely remembrance.

Alex Pendragon said...

Thanks guys. You're all invited to MY cremation. Hope you like sangria.

Buffalo said...

Having someone saddened by your leaving...perhaps a mark of a life well lived.

Romeo Morningwood said...

What a wonderful tribute.

I do not have any experience with goats. I know that they have those weird pupils and that they love to climb.
Obviously you had the pleasure of sharing time with a real character. Very Cool!
Your life was obviously enriched and I appreciate the insight. Thanks.

Alex Pendragon said...

HE, it suddenly comes to mind a book I once read entitled "That Quail Robert" about a quail that grew up thinking it was human. We have grown accustomed to this idea that the food chain removes us from relationships with other species, yet we continue to form attachments with animals of all sorts, who sometimes surprise us with their level of sentience, compassion, and selfless acts. I still believe in the natural order of predator and prey, hunter and hunted, but I think there is still lots of room for treating those we consider inferior to us as fellows rather than property and protein.

anna said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful tribute to Ozzy. How are the other animals reacting to his passing? How is the Mrs taking it?

Anonymous said...

Michael: All my sympathies out to you and your family in your loss. May Ozzy be where goats roam free with plenty to eat. I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

Alex Pendragon said...

Thank you ALL for your kind remarks. The wife cast a sacred circle and asked that Ozzy be blessed with a well deserved reception in the green, verdant pastures of Summerland. As far as the rest of the herd.....yes, they know he's gone and it's very apparent that they miss him, especially Billy, who seems to wonder around looking for him on occasion.