The Rainbow Bridge

This is a poem offering grief-support for when a beloved pet dies. Many years ago, when my beloved chihuahua 'Penny' died, a friend of mine gave me a poem to read, called 'The Rainbow Bridge'. It is with the deepest, dreamiest, dewy-eyed joy that I bring this magical piece to life for Insight Timer.

I like to believe all my loved ones are there, playing, two-legged & four.

Written by Anonymous
Composed and Spoken by Jac Godsman
Backing vocals by Zosh.P
Artwork © Tyler Humphries

Transcript

There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.

It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.

Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,

Hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies,

They go to this place.

There is always food,

Water and warm spring weather.

Those old and frail animals are young again.

Those who have been maimed are made whole again.

They play all day with each other.

But there is only one thing missing.

They are not with their special person who loved them on earth.

So each day they run and they play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up.

The nose twitches,

The ears are up,

The eyes are staring and this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen.

And when you and your special friend meet,

You take them in your arms and embrace.

Your face is kissed again and again and again.

Your face is kissed again and again and again.

And again you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Never again to be separated.

Reviews

Thank you for this gentle practice for the afternoon of the day we had to say goodbye. There's no solace for the loss of a dog but this is something to help to ease the pain. Namaste

Thank you Jac, I remember seeing this years ago, and filed it away for a special time that is right now. My beloved Frankie is preparing to leave and is in her last days after 14 wonderful years by my side. I find great comfort in your words and imagery. Thank you from my heart. 🙏💗🌈

Such a beautiful, reassuring, uplifting reminder. Thank you so much! 🙏💜🕊🐾🐶🐱🌈✝️

Listened to this after saying goodbye to my 13 year old cat today. It made me smile through my tears knowing that she’s in a happy place and that we’ll meet each other again.

Thank you. I've lost my oldest child-fur- and I feel so sad. This was really helpful.

I have this poem on an A3 paper printed out. I truly believe this is true. We will see our furbabies again, and never be separated. Amazing how these little ones have the ability to crawl so very deep into our hearts and every time we lose one and feel the heart wrenching pain of loss, promising ourselves that we will never let another in because of the intense pain, we always end up finding another... Or rather, another always ends up finding us, crawling deep into our hearts again, and again..... Thank you for sharing this. Although I know it almost by heart, it makes my face leak every single time. Love and light. 💕

Beautiful! Thank you. I’m grieving the loss of my little Abby-cat, who went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. This was nice. Helped me release some tears. She was with me ten years. I’ll try to remember she’s over the Rainbow Bridge when I find myself expecting her to jump up on my bed, or snuggle right next to me in the bed, or rub my leg when I play guitar, or in the bathroom, or thoroughly enjoy my wire brushing her face and body...
But I feel quite empty without you, Abby. You’ve been with me through so many other losses. You helped me. You helped me. I love 💗 you!!!

So very beautiful

Wonderful recitation of a favorite happy and sad poem that brings the love of one’s loyal dog back and hopes for the future.

Thank you. My beloved Lily died today and this was a comfort.

This touched my heart so I wanted to share this with anyone who has lost their beloved family member.

Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home & all they have, to those they leave behind. If with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask....

To a poor and lonely stray I'd give:

My happy home.
My bowl & cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.
The lap, which I love so I
much.
The hand that stroked my fur & the sweet voice which spoke my name.
I'd will to the sad, scared shelter dog, the place I had in my human's heart, of which there seemed no bounds.

So when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."

Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give My place to Him.

This is the only thing I can give.....
The love I left behind.

Author Unknown

So sweet. How I would love to meet my lost beloved Sheltie Lucky, my dear Border Collie friend Fawn, my childhood playmate Caesar again there. I love you all. And wild Nutsie... how lovely if this should be true. My baby Lucky died in 2018 at 13. I miss her very much and though I have sweet Max (also a Sheltie) who will no doubt one day also wait at the Rainbow Bridge... I still long for her...🌈🌷🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺🐈

Jac ➖
My Labrador Retriever, You Guys, is 14 this year. He is becoming more frail, and ℹ️ know The End is coming. When you spoke The Rainbow Bridge tonight the tears came. Thank you for putting these words and this music together.
🌈✨
James

I cried and cried and smiled and smiled
Oh to be with you all in some while
Stanley and Fanny and Angus times two
Quinn and Zoe oh how we miss you
Buffy and Possum and Wussie the cats
All sitting there wearing mad hats
For it is the party none will miss
When Mum and Dad join you up there with a kiss

I am so grateful for the beauty you put out into the world through your voice, music, and compassion. This poem as you read makes me feel the connection to all my fur babies. Thank you!

Tears and smiles at the same time. I hope so much that this is true. ❤️

O Jac, all the feels. Thank you ❤
Missing my 3 doggos and this image not only helps me think of them as well and strong, today I have not felt seen.

This is a special gift they give isn't it - seeing deep within me and loving me.

I see you're on insta I am going to have to check that out.

Much love!

It was perfect and looking forward to seeing my Coco again 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

So beautiful Jac 🌹 the words & the arrangement just perfect 🌟