“The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

“The Rainbow Bridge” is widely believed to have been written by Edna Clyne-Rekhy, who penned it in loving memory of her pet dogs. This poignant poem beautifully captures the enduring bond between humans and their beloved pets, exploring themes of loss, love, and the hope of reunion beyond death. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem paints a picture of a transcendent realm where departed pets await their owners, reunited once more in a beautiful meadow. The poem’s ability to evoke deep emotions and its comforting portrayal of an afterlife where cherished companions are reunited contribute to its enduring popularity among pet lovers and those who have experienced the pain of losing a beloved animal friend.

Text: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

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 that 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…

Annotations: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Line	Annotation
1	“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.” Introduces the concept of “Rainbow Bridge” as a place just this side of heaven where animals go when they pass away.
2	“When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.” Establishes the premise that pets who shared a special bond with someone on Earth go to Rainbow Bridge upon their passing.
3	“There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.” Describes the environment of Rainbow Bridge, depicting it as a picturesque setting with meadows, hills, and ample provisions for the animals to enjoy.
4	“There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.” Assures the reader that the animals at Rainbow Bridge are healthy, happy, and well cared for, free from the ailments and limitations of their earthly lives.
5	“All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.” Reflects on the restoration of the animals’ vitality and wholeness, reminiscent of their prime as remembered by their human companions.
6	“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.” Acknowledges the animals’ continued longing for their special human companions who are still living on Earth.
7	“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.” Illustrates a scene where one of the animals at Rainbow Bridge becomes suddenly alert and excited, indicating the anticipation of a reunion with their human.
8	“They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.” Describes the animal’s exuberant sprint towards their human friend, evoking a sense of eagerness and anticipation.
9	“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.” Implies that the human and their pet have finally reunited after being apart, signifying a moment of profound joy and companionship.
10	“You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.” Depicts a scene of emotional reunion between the human and their pet, characterized by affectionate gestures and expressions of love.
11	“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.” Concludes the poem with the imagery of the human and their pet crossing Rainbow Bridge together, symbolizing their eternal bond and companionship beyond death.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“happy and content”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds for a musical effect
Allegory	The Rainbow Bridge	A symbolic representation of a concept (heaven)
Amplification	“plenty of food, water and sunshine”	Emphasizing a point by repeating or expanding on it
Anaphora	“There is…”, “There are…”	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Anthropomorphism	Animals “run and play together”	Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities
Assonance	“warm and comfortable”	Repetition of vowel sounds for a musical effect
Enjambment	Lines 5-6	A sentence or phrase continuing into the next line without punctuation
Euphemism	“that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge”	A mild or indirect word or expression used to avoid offense
Hyperbole	“flying over the green grass”	An exaggeration used for emphasis or effect
Imagery	“meadows and hills”, “green grass”	Language that creates vivid mental images
Inference	“they each miss someone very special”	Suggesting something without directly stating it
Metaphor	Rainbow Bridge	A comparison between two unlike things without “like” or “as”
Onomatopoeia	“happy kisses rain”	Words that imitate the sounds they describe
Personification	Animals “quiver” and “cling”	Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities
Repetition	“Rainbow Bridge”	Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis or unity
Rhyme	“by”/”guy”, “again”/”friend”	Similar sounds in words, often used in poetry
Simile	“legs carrying him faster and faster”	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”
Symbolism	The Rainbow Bridge	An object or color representing an abstract idea
Synecdoche	“beloved head”	Using a part of something to represent the whole
Understatement	“one small thing”	A statement that is less strong or emphatic.

Themes: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

• Loss and Grief: A Universal Experience
• “The Rainbow Bridge” captures the raw, universal experience of losing a beloved pet. The poem uses language that evokes a deep sense of personal connection, referring to the animal as a “special friend” rather than just a pet. This acknowledges the unique bond between humans and animals and validates the profound grief that accompanies their passing.
• Example: The phrase “left behind” encapsulates the feeling of abandonment and loneliness that often comes with the death of a pet. It speaks to the sudden absence in one’s life and the resulting emotional void.
• Healing and Restoration: Beyond Physical Pain
• The concept of Rainbow Bridge as a place of healing goes beyond the physical. While the poem mentions pets being “made whole and strong again,” the deeper implication is emotional and spiritual restoration.
• Example: The imagery of lush meadows, clear waters, and sunshine suggests a return to vitality and joy. It conveys the idea that pets are no longer burdened by pain or illness, finding solace and peace in the afterlife.
• Reunion and Joy: Love Transcends Death
• The most powerful theme in “The Rainbow Bridge” is the promise of reunion. The poem portrays this moment as ecstatic, with the pet running to greet its owner and both reveling in their love.
• Example: The lines “You’ll meet at the Rainbow Bridge” and “Never again to be parted” offer immense comfort, reassuring the grieving that their bond with their pet is eternal and will be rekindled in a realm beyond death.
• The Afterlife: A Source of Comfort, Not Dogma
• “The Rainbow Bridge” touches on the concept of an afterlife without being overly religious or prescriptive. It presents a vision of a peaceful, joyful existence that resonates with many belief systems.
• Example: The description of Rainbow Bridge as “just this side of heaven” is open to interpretation. It can be understood literally as a celestial waiting place or metaphorically as a state of pure happiness and contentment.
• Additional Theme: The Power of Memory
• While not explicitly stated, “The Rainbow Bridge” subtly emphasizes the importance of memory. The poem encourages the bereaved to cherish their memories of their pet and find solace in the love they shared.
• Example: The lines “Your faithful friend who was left behind” and “Made whole and strong again” invite the reader to reflect on the unique qualities and joys that their pet brought into their life.

Literary Theories and “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Literary Theory	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Marxist Theory	“There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends”	The poem presents a utopian society where all animals are equal and have abundance, critiquing the capitalist notion of scarcity and hierarchy.
Psychoanalytic Theory	“They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance”	The poem explores the theme of separation anxiety and the longing for a lost loved one, reflecting the psychoanalytic idea of the unconscious mind and repressed emotions.
Feminist Theory	“you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again”	The poem’s focus on the emotional bond between the speaker and their pet, as well as the use of nurturing language (“cling together”, “beloved head”), can be seen as a feminist critique of traditional gender roles and the importance of emotional connection.

Critical Questions about “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

• Question 1: How does the poem’s use of anthropomorphism reinforce or challenge dominant human-animal relationships?
• The poem’s attribution of human-like qualities to animals, such as running, playing, and experiencing emotions, raises questions about the boundaries between humans and animals. While the poem’s anthropomorphism may challenge the dominant human-animal hierarchy by granting animals agency and emotions, it also reinforces the idea that animals exist primarily for human comfort and companionship. This tension highlights the complexities of human-animal relationships and invites readers to consider the ethics of animal representation.
• Question 2: In what ways does the poem perpetuate or subvert traditional notions of grief and mourning?
• The poem’s portrayal of a utopian afterlife for pets, where they are reunited with their owners, may be seen as a comforting and sentimental representation of grief. However, this portrayal also potentially trivializes the complexity and depth of human emotions, reducing mourning to a simplistic and joyful reunion. Furthermore, the poem’s focus on the individual’s emotional experience neglects the social and cultural contexts that shape our understanding of loss and mourning. This raises questions about the poem’s role in shaping or challenging dominant discourses around grief.
• Question 3: How does the poem’s use of imagery and symbolism reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies of death and the afterlife?
• The poem’s vivid descriptions of a peaceful, idyllic afterlife, symbolized by the Rainbow Bridge, draw on traditional Western notions of heaven and the afterlife. This imagery may reinforce dominant ideologies of death as a transition to a better place, rather than a natural part of life. However, the poem’s focus on the emotional connection between humans and animals also potentially challenges the dominant anthropocentric view of death, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings.
• Question 4: In what ways does the poem’s language and tone reflect or shape societal attitudes towards animals and pet ownership?
• The poem’s use of affectionate language and sentimental tone reinforces the notion that pets are beloved family members, deserving of emotional investment and care. This reflects and potentially shapes societal attitudes towards animals, promoting a culture of compassion and responsibility towards pets. However, the poem’s language also potentially reinforces the commodification of animals as pets, neglecting the complexities of animal agency and autonomy. This raises questions about the poem’s role in shaping or challenging dominant discourses around animal welfare and ownership.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Theme of Pet Loss	How does “The Rainbow Bridge” explore the theme of pet loss and the emotional impact it has on pet owners?	“The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy poignantly portrays the experience of pet loss and the solace found in the belief of a comforting afterlife for beloved companions.
Symbolism of Rainbow Bridge	What is the significance of the Rainbow Bridge as a symbolic setting in the poem?	In “The Rainbow Bridge,” Edna Clyne-Rekhy employs the metaphor of the Rainbow Bridge to represent the bridge between life and afterlife, offering hope and reassurance to those grieving the loss of a pet.
Bond between Pets and Owners	How does the poem depict the enduring bond between pets and their human companions?	Through vivid imagery and heartfelt sentiment, “The Rainbow Bridge” celebrates the deep and enduring bond between pets and their owners, emphasizing the eternal nature of their connection.
Comfort in Belief	What role does the belief in Rainbow Bridge play in providing comfort to individuals coping with pet loss?	“The Rainbow Bridge” serves as a source of comfort and solace for those grieving the loss of a pet, offering the reassurance of a joyous reunion in an idyllic afterlife setting.

Literary Works Similar to “The Rainbow Bridge”

1. “The Last Battle” by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This poem explores the idea of the afterlife for animals, depicting a peaceful realm where they are reunited with their human companions.
2. “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron: Byron’s poem mourns the loss of a faithful canine companion and reflects on the enduring bond between humans and animals, much like “The Rainbow Bridge.”
3. “Dog’s Death” by John Updike: This poignant poem captures the emotional journey of losing a beloved pet, touching on themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of death.
4. “A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda: Neruda’s poem celebrates the life and companionship of a cherished dog, expressing the deep sorrow felt upon its passing and the enduring impact it leaves behind.
5. “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling: Kipling’s poem reflects on the loyalty and devotion of dogs, emphasizing their unique ability to bring joy and comfort to human lives, even beyond death.

Suggested Readings: “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

• Nuwer, Rachel. “The ‘Rainbow Bridge’ has comforted millions of pet parents. Who wrote it?” National Geographic, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/rainbow-bridge-poem-pet-death-mourning-origin-revealed.

Representative Quotations from “The Rainbow Bridge” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

Quotation	Context	Literary Theoretical Perspective
“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.”	Introduces the concept of a celestial realm known as Rainbow Bridge, where departed pets await their owners for a joyous reunion.	Archetypal Criticism – Rainbow Bridge serves as an archetype of a paradise-like afterlife, a recurring motif in mythology and literature representing a place of ultimate fulfillment and reunion.
“When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.”	Explains the criteria for pets to reach Rainbow Bridge: their closeness to someone on Earth.	Reader-Response Criticism – Readers engage emotionally with the idea of Rainbow Bridge, interpreting its significance based on their personal experiences and relationships with pets.
“All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.”	Describes the rejuvenation of the animals at Rainbow Bridge, where they are freed from ailments and returned to youthful vitality.	Marxist Criticism – Rainbow Bridge symbolizes a utopian vision where all beings, regardless of their previous condition, experience equal restoration and well-being, challenging societal norms of inequality and suffering.
“You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion…”	Depicts the emotional reunion between a pet and its owner at Rainbow Bridge, highlighting the profound joy and companionship of the moment.	Psychoanalytic Criticism – The reunion at Rainbow Bridge reflects deep-seated desires for connection and love, providing catharsis for readers by fulfilling unconscious wishes for reunion with lost loved ones.
“The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head…”	Portrays the affectionate gestures exchanged between the pet and its owner during their reunion, evoking a sense of comfort and love.	Feminist Criticism – The depiction of affection and comfort at Rainbow Bridge challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the nurturing and emotional depth of the relationship between humans and animals.
“Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…”	Concludes the poem with the imagery of the pet and its owner crossing Rainbow Bridge together, symbolizing their eternal bond and companionship beyond death.	Postcolonial Criticism – Rainbow Bridge represents a space of liberation and reconciliation, transcending boundaries of mortality and cultural differences, suggesting a universal longing for unity and connection.