もともとは英文で、作者不明のまま広まりました。
ペットの死後、動物たちはどこに行くのか？
どうやって過ごしているのか？
わたしたちはまた会えるのか？
そんな不安や疑問を解消してくれるこの詩は、特にペットロスで辛い思いをしている方の支えになっています。
ここでは原文と、簡単な要約をご紹介しますね。
【要約】
動物たちは旅立った後、天国のほんの少し手前にある「虹の橋」のたもとに行きます。
虹の橋のたもとは、暖かく、快適で、水や食べ物も豊富にある広々とした牧草地です。
たくさんの仲間と一緒に、元気な姿に戻って遊びまわっています。
そしていつか、飼い主であるあなたが、この虹の橋のたもとに現れたとき、2人は再開を果たし、一緒に虹の橋を渡っていきます。
そしてもう2度と、離れることはないのです・・・。
【原文】
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 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. 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 beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
