Legend has it that St. Francis on his deathbed thanked his donkey for carrying and helping him throughout his life, and his donkey wept. This poem reflects that legend. I'm writing this as I'm watching the new "live" webcam of the donkeys grazing outside. Thank you.

Almost, a poem of St. Francis and His Donkey

All our lives
We've been together,
Quite a time
In Donkey's years.
Together then and now,
Grateful side by side
Over the hills and glens.
You were my wise companion
As we wandered to and fro,
Teaching respect for other beings
Even, the wolf of Gubbio.
In our love, a special grace
Just for us it seemed,
It often felt like floating so
In Beauty, Peace
And oh, Sorrow.
These are the three graces
That you and I
Would come to know,
Beauty, Peace and Sorrow.
Beauty of the loyalty of love,
Peace in the innocence of faith,
Sorrow is its own tolling bell
Beyond my strength
Against my nature, cruel travail.
So still my heart
So it won't break
As I say my last goodbye
You'll know I'm ever thankful for
Your pace in life and deep,
Deep Donkey eyes.
You gave me countless hours
Of quiet understanding
As I fled,
The world as others knew it
You and I found comfort apart from them.
Now as my time to go draws nigh
I'll not wipe away your tears,
For I know they're shed
For a reluctant saint
And his Donkey dear.
We two were friends
A gift like a dove,
And as I'm lying here
Remember always the sky above
And the moon somewhere
Bare the strength, just like you did,
And patience of great love.