Lifecycles

 “Those who die go no further from us than God, and God is very near.” - Anon.

You, Who are Exalted,
You, Who are Holy,
You, Whose great name we praise
          in times of grief,
Please bless my pet, who too briefly
          blessed me here.

Keep him near,
Hold him close.
You, Whom we revere,
You, Who are wise,
Look kindly on him with Your eyes.
Keep him safe from hunger, cold and fear.

His needs are few.
You, Who are all
          our hopes and dreams,
You, to Whom we pray and weep,
Make space beside You where he can sleep.
A little place will do. He’s small.

I pray that in Your peace-filled
Realm, he finds peace, too.
You, Who know, show him that
Pain is short, that play’s preferred.
Make him strong and sturdy, once again.
For all this I pray. Amen. Amen.