My Life as a Dog
I domesticated my animal nature: instincts, needs, rhythms, and vital joy
—in order to live in your house.
I listened and learned, ears perked, to your orders and to your intonations.
I understood your codes.
I knew how to constrain myself to go gently, so as not to knock over the child,
the grandmother and the "petit animal à moustaches." (the cat)
From each one of you, I knew how to take or to ask for flattery and play.
I loved your company, whether playful or calm.
I was proud of my duty to guard the gate, the front step, and the household,
watching for intruders.
And I still had my own secret kingdom out in the garden, or while out on a
walk, where I could unleash in nature the original power of my senses.
I entered into this bond with you without fear of submission
— for we gave one another respect.
When next I had to die, it was without knowing sickness or decline. I left
dignified and without complaint, all-the-while understanding your tears.
In our exchanges, I taught you different and specific emotions : that of
animalité : those instinctual codes that you had lost. I offered you
another relationship with nature.
For all of this, I am proud, and I know that you will have other dogs so as
to continue this sharing.
("Ma Vie de Chien" was written in French by Marie-Françoise Vidal
after her dog Jaby made it over Le Pont de l'Arc-en-ciel.)
|
