Waiting For You To Come Home Poem by Diana van den Berg

Your life is rich and diverse,
no matter what you think.
Your animals only have you.
You are their entire world.
When you are angry at the human race,
or part of it, they think you are angry with them
and their loving eyes ache
and their hearts break.
If you neglect them, ignore them, hurt them,
under- or over-feed them, shout at them,
chain them up or abuse them in any way,
they forgive you and shower you
with unconditional love.
You think you know what love is?
For a complete answer, ask the nearest dog
or cat or horse or rabbit or tortoise.
Whatever they do while you are out,
it is only to pass the time
until you come home.
Make their eyes radiate with happiness always
and fill their hearts to overflowing.
Truly love them, adore them,
understand them, spend time with them,
talk to them, listen when they talk back,
care for them, cuddle them,
make sure they always have the right food,
water, grooming and health care,
buy toys for them, share games with them,
understand their need for love and validation,
look forward to seeing them when you get home
and give them the welcome they deserve.
Make them as important to you
as you are to them.
When you can do all that and more,
not because I say so,
but because you really love doing so,
you will be worthy of them
and worthy of yourself.

(23 August 2009)