Although I am not the poet that Sue Pyron is, I have written a response to her post from the shelter`s standpoint. (I re-posted her sweet poem, in case some of you didn`t see it) >From: Sue Pyron <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: A Sign of the Times A poem by Sue Pyron > >A Sign of the Times > >She told him she was sorry 'bout a hundred times or more. >She climbed the stairs still shaking as she stood outside the door. >Her heart was in her throat, with silent tears she had to cry. >For this was it, the day she dread, the day she'd say goodbye. > >So much she didn't want to give her precious baby up. >All was fine until last month when someone pulled the rug. >The hardest thing ahe'd ever know came up upon her fast. >She had to break a promise that her home would be his last. > >She stood there for a second more then the door opened wide. >The tears were falling down now, the same tears she tried to hide. >The woman op'ning up the door said you're upset I see. >And then she said those awful words, please give him here to me. > >The woman she had spoken with stood steady at the door. >Please tell me all the things I need to know then tell me more. >Tell me how you'll always love him more than words can say. >Tell me that inside your heart his memory will stay. > >The woman that he knew and loved turned quickly on her heel. >She could not bear to leave him and she knew it was too real. >Her heart would always hold him close, she'd love him 'til she died. >Then the door closed behind her, now her love was safe inside. > >To give him up she thought, it was the right thing left to do. >She had no money for his care, what else was she to do? >She got into her car, in tears she slowly drove away. >She'd always love her little man, forever and a day. > >S. Pyron >8/21/11 ----------------------------- Before she left her baby here, & quickly drove away, We asked her if she`d volunteer, To visit him & play. Money was in short supply, & we`d take on his care-- But she could come & visit him, (We knew she`d not be there.) A shelter sees it every day, They leave their kids & go, Do they send treats at Christmas time, or help us? Heaven`s no. And sanctuaries see it through, Until that final day, We hold thet baby, loving it Until it slips away. We`re used to broken promises, & cleaning up the mess, We forfiet money, sleep, & time--- But the kids give happiness... Love, Zoo [Posted in FML 7163]