The Last Battle
Author Unknown
An Animal Rights Poem from All-Creatures.org

All of God's creatures have rights, a fact that most people don't seem to recognize. This includes both human and non-human animals, but not all of them can speak for themselves.

The Last Battle
Author Unknown

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so.

When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has decided this thing to do:

We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.


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