JOSHUA
20th February 2000 – 8th July 2005
Almighty and Most Merciful Father,
we know that the days of our Creatures are short and
that Man outlives them.
Yet in their time there are those
whom God has chosen for the special love of Man.
So it is that this Creature,
now departed, did spend his days
in the company of Man,
and did teach us
the pureness of love and completeness of devotion.
It is this sacred purity which lasts
but a short time.
But in it, God teaches us the trueness of love and
though they not be Man,
nor made in the image of God,
they are the angels of this Holy Earth,
and are sent here to bring Man comfort.
Some God hath chosen for Man’s sustenance.
Other’s, that they may lessen
the labours of Man.
Some are brought into this earth
that they may have dominion
over the wildness of the earth and the sea,
and others that they may ever
brighten God’s earth with Beauty, Grace and Song.
Still others, God hath given onto us for our solace,
companionship and love.
So be it with this Creature
whom God has chosen as Man’s Companion:
That no Man shall be alone,
No Man shall not know love,
and that all Men may know
of the wonders of God’s earth,
in all of God’s magnificent creations.
For each, like Man,
is sacred onto God, and
though they be the gift of God,
they are given to Man
that he might know the wonders o
f all God’s creations.
Blessed be this Creature,
and blessed be those who did know,
love and care for this Creature,
for they have performed a sacred duty,
and in this, they are better loved by God.
Let a call go out now,
into the wind of this, God’s Earth.
That this gentle soul has laid down his head and
has returned unto God’s sacred keeping.
Let the trees and grasses whisper
of his devotion to Man, and
that in his time he taught us
unselfish love, devotion and obedience.
Remember therefore Joshua’s life.
For he has been a gift; given unto us
that we may learn the sanctity of life and
that all that is of God is Holy.
And therefore as it pleases Almighty God
to take unto Himself his Beloved Creation, Joshua.
So, in God’s Holy Name,
we commit Joshua’s ashes to the earth,
remembering that God gave unto us
the creatures of this Earth
for just a short while.
But, no Greater Gift did God give unto Man.
Let all the Creatures
of this Earth be silent.
Let the passing of this creature
so Beloved of God be sent
as a message across the wind.
Peace, everlasting grant unto his soul.
Amen
| Mary & Craig Francis |