The Rainbow Bridge Poem - Full Text to Read and Share

The Rainbow Bridge poem has been a great source of comfort to pet lovers for over twenty years, and it is still one of the first things people share when someone loses a beloved pet. So much so that you can now Visit our Rainbow Bridge. You will find the full poem below, to read for yourself or to pass on to anyone who is grieving a dog, a cat or any other animal companion they have loved.

Rainbow Bridge Poem

There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.

Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.

The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.

They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.

They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.

So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly

stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches!

The ears are up!

The eyes are staring!

And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.

Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated

(Based on the original text by Edna Clyne-Rekhy)

What is the Rainbow Bridge poem about?

The poem describes a peaceful meadow just this side of heaven, where pets who have died are young and well again, with food, water and warm spring weather. They play together while they wait, and when their special person arrives they cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Why does the Rainbow Bridge poem bring so much comfort?

When we lose a pet, so many of us are left wondering where they have gone and whether we will ever see them again. The poem gives that hope a shape: our old and poorly friends are made whole again, they are happy and cared for, and the love we shared is waiting for us rather than lost.

Who really wrote the Rainbow Bridge Poem?

You can read all about the history of the Rainbow Bridge poem and story by clicking here.

Can I use the Rainbow Bridge poem in a sympathy card or memorial?

Many people copy a few lines into a sympathy card, read it at a pet's memorial, or keep it framed beside a favourite photo. Where there is only room for a few words, the closing line works beautifully: "Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."

How can my pet appear in your Rainbow Bridge?

Your pet will appear in our Rainbow Bridge when you submit a Tribute, a Story, a poem, a Rainbow Bridge story, write a Letter to the Bridge, or open a diary for them. Please include the photo you would like to appear at the Rainbow Bridge with your submission.

Can I share this poem with someone who is grieving?

Yes, please do. Just use the share buttons on this page to send it on to anyone who needs it. If you would like to tell your own pet's story, you can share it on our Your Bridge Stories page.

Click here to go straight to the Rainbow Bridge Story

Click here to Visit our Rainbow Bridge

Click here to write a Letter to the Bridge

Click here to read the Rainbow Bridge experiences of other visitors

Click here to return to the Pet Loss Matters Homepage