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MEMORIAL POETRY

  • Feb 26
  • 1 min read

Updated: Apr 10



Old Golden Retriever sleeping


When I draw a memorial portrait of somebody's lost love, it always upsets me a little bit. My Goldendoodle Juno is now considered a 'senior', she is my first dog and the thought of losing her is crushing. I sometimes feel compelled to write memorial poetry about the loss. Here are a few of those...




Our house, your home now frozen fields of winter,

An empty place where even shadows will not stay.

My heart drifts room to room consumed by sorrows splinter,

Searching for the small sun that once warmed every day.





I call her name before I know I’ve done,

The cruel mistake of thinking she remains.

The house forgets the rhythm we had spun,

And silence answers back with tender pains.


Now quiet sits where once her breathing lay,

A faithful heart, that beat so close to mine.

The light comes in, indifferent to the day,

The world is less for losing what was thine.





A final breath, a gentle sigh,

A tired soul that says goodbye.

A loyal heart, a faithful friend,

I love you most at journey's end.





The sun hits the floor where you used to lie,

I still see you there, though we've said goodbye.

Your lead hanging still and your bowl put away,

But in my heart’s corners, forever we play.


And though you are gone, I feel you so near,

In memories cherished and always sincere.

Sometimes I hear you, your bark in the breeze,

I carry you with me in moments like these.





11 Comments

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Nancy Leach
Feb 27
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

I have several of Dan’s portraits and have given some as gifts. But I didn’t know he is also a gifted poet. Having just lost one of my fur babies, I struggled to get through this memorial poem. His art is amazing. The poetry adds even more beauty.

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Dan Read
Dan Read
Feb 28
Replying to

Thank you Nancy. After that disastrous Royal Mail Christmas delivery nightmare a few years ago, I’m very lucky to have you as a customer! 🥂

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Guest
Feb 27
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Beautifully said…. That’s why your work is so stunning. You absolutely love what you do and it comes through in your artwork. Thank you for loving our fur babies.

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Dan Read
Dan Read
Feb 28
Replying to

Thank you very much!

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Guest
Feb 26
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Lovely

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Guest
Feb 27
Replying to

That’s beautiful.

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Maxine
Feb 26

Equal parts beautiful and sad

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Dan Read
Dan Read
Feb 26
Replying to

Thank you very much

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PoshPups
Feb 26

Beuatiful artwork and beautiful words. 💔

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Dan Read
Dan Read
Feb 26
Replying to

Thank you ❤️

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