虹の橋

虹の橋
(Rainbow Bridge :作者不詳)
 
天国のすぐ近くに
虹の橋と呼ばれる場所がある
 
死んで大切な人の元を去った動物は虹の橋にやって来る
そこには原っぱや丘があって
仲間と走ったり遊んだりすることができる
食べ物や水もたくさんあって
太陽の光が降り注ぐ
暖かくて気持ちのいい場所だ
 
病気だった動物や年をとった動物も元気いっぱいの姿に戻る
怪我をした動物も強かった昔の姿に戻る
動物たちは幸せで満ち足りている
でも
たった一つだけ寂しいことがあった
残してきた大切な人に会いたい…
 
仲間と走ったり、遊んだりする楽しい日々
でもある日
ふと立ち止まって遠くを見つめる
そして目は輝き、喜びで震え始める
ぱっと仲間の群れを飛び出し
緑の原っぱを駆け抜け
走る 走る
 
あなたを見つけたから
大切な友達にやっと会えた…
しっかりと抱き合って
もう二度と離れない
顔にキスの雨が降り注ぎ
頭を優しく撫でてまっすぐな瞳を見つめる
離れていても
心の中ではずっと一緒だった
 
そして二人で虹の橋を渡るのだ…

 

訳: Lina

 
人と犬の共生 アポレ
 

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....
 
 
人と犬の共生 アポレ