Monday, April 30, 2007

Jax the Border Collie

"JAX"
13" x 16" acrylic on canvas

I don't know if you remember the "sneak peek" I showed you a few weeks ago of JAX, the Border Collie...the almost finished dog commission. Well, he's finally finished! I have to say a big thank you to my client, Jenn who was most patient with me after Abby's passing. She really understood that it would take me awhile to be able to paint again. Sweet JAX is no longer with us here on earth...so I hope he and Abby are playing and having a blast together with the tennis ball.

And since it's the last day of National Poetry Month...I found another poem about Abby spewing out of my brain this morning. James and I thought about her so much this weekend and felt like she was right there in the backseat of the car riding around with us...like she always did.

Here's to you, my precious girl...

I CAN SEE HER

I can see her still
beautiful white fluff
of pearly softness
nestled by the wall
watching me
while her shadow
splashes a reverent
outline of loyalty
against a
barren white wall.
She asks now
that I let my sadness
be carried away
in the palm
of a tender spring.

-Linda O'Neill

9 comments:

artpaw said...

This is so lovely, both the painting and the poem.
Since it is the last day of poetry month I will share a simple Haiku that a dear friend wrote for us and our boy after his passing.

Remember his beach
Play between thunder and dusk
Heart, find your ocean
by R. Swann

Clare said...

Your painting of JAX is so incredibly sweet -- those eyes are so expressive, and his tail really seems to be wagging! And the beautiful poem deeply touched me. Thank you!

Jill Beninato said...

Wonderful Linda! I love his expression...you really captured him...

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

This is so sweet Linda. I agree with Jill his eyes are just telling me something. Impresive.

Gerushia's New World said...

Wow Linda, that poem says it all doesn't it? "a reverent outline of loyalty". What a beautiful line. Thanks for sharing this particular poem.

Kim
Garden Painter Art
gnarly-dolls

Jonna said...

You poem made me cry....but in a good way. I sometimes find myself crying for my four footed friends who have moved on. And there have been quite a few. I still miss them all very much. Your painting is wonderful.

Unknown said...

What I like about "Jax" is how ready to play he looks. You really caught a strong personality in that painting! Touching poem, too.

kate said...

Your poem is a beautiful tribute to a special friend. Abby and Jax will be happy that you are back at painting and pleased that Jax is now remembered in paint. Your talent is awe-inspiring.

DJ said...

Linda, I'm so sorry about Abby. I know how hard it is to lose our beloved babies. The Boy is getting up there in age, and I don't know how I will get along without him when the time comes. I read clear back in your blog to catch up, and reading about Abby made me cry. For you, and for me because I know the emotions tied up in those furry kids of ours. The Boy is half Border Collie and half Australian Shepherd, so your painting of Jax touches me deeply. I love those Border Collie eyes, expressions, and the traits that only that breed seem to have.
Hugs to you,