アメリカ、シアトルに住む私の大切な友人から一通のメールが届きました。　(From:Yoko Morse)

著者がわからず、ご存じの方はご連絡下さいと掲載していたところ、
このＨＰをご覧になった方が教えて下さいました。

これは「猫たちを救う犬」・「今日もまた猫たちを救う犬」という本の中に
引用されている詩なのだそうです。
（著者：フィリップ・ゴンザレス、フライッシャー、
訳：内田昌之、草思社刊　各１５００円＋税別）

”この作品は、主人公の「ゴンザレス」さんが、
動物愛護施設でジニーという一匹の犬と出会うことから始まる
ノンフィクションストーリーだそうですが、
著者のゴンザレス氏もこの詩を誰から聞いたのかわからないそうで、
どうやら外国に伝わる詩のようです。”とのことでした。

素敵な詩です。

The Rainbow Bridge 　（英文の下に和訳があります。）

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
 so they can run and play together. 

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our furry friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, 
who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent;
his eager body quivers with a nticipation and joy.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group,
flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the familiar,
beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your furry companion,
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....