This was inspired by the picture writing prompt found on Peter Wyn Mosey’s blog here. After reading this, take the time to follow the link and read that blog; it has some beautiful thoughts on it!

Few realise that I am on a noble mission. Maybe it’s because everyone looks down at me rather than up to me.

But I am indeed on a noble mission.

It was given to me by my father before I was taken away. He said, “Find the one you are destined to follow, and dedicate your life to protecting them from forgetting you.”

It has taken me many years to decipher the purpose of these final words – my noble mission.

I quickly found the one I was destined to follow. And for some years did not see how the second part of my mission was important.

The one I followed, never once forgot me.

But as I watched the lines grow deeper on her face, I noticed she often stayed in instead of coming out with me.

At first, I thought I should leave her be; if she’s tired maybe more time at her computer is what she needs.

Then I remembered my father’s words – my noble mission. I was not to let her forget me. Not for myself, for I don’t much mind, but for her. Because if she forgets me, she forgets part of herself.

So I’ve begun to insist, in small, stubborn ways, that she come with me from time to time. And now, as I stand here on this rock, harness and all, I watch her as she smiles at the sky. Perhaps my father would have been better to say this to me as a puppy:

“Find who you are destined to follow, and dedicate your life to protecting them from forgetting themselves.”

Jena Ren (Jenny Guilford) – 2019

If you would like to read more of my short stories or poetry, you will find them here.

This post was originally published on November 15, 2019.