Coco Quote by Elizabeth von Arnim
““Coco?” I whispered, standing still, hardly able to believe it. “Oh—Coco?” “It is impossible to imagine,” a voice behind seemed to be saying from a great distance away, “how the dog could have reached this spot. For three days he has been immovable in his kennel.” I dropped on my knees, and took his paw in my hand. He gave the faintest wag of his tail, and tried to raise his head; but it fell back again, and he could only look at me. For an instant, for the briefest instant, we looked at each other, and while we looked his eyes glazed. “Coco—I’ve come back. Darling—I’ll never leave you any more——” I don’t know why I said these things. I knew he was dead, and that no calls, no lamentations, no love could ever reach him again. Sliding down on to the stone flags beside him, I laid my head on his and wept in an agony of bitter grief. Now indeed I was left alone in the world. Even my dog was gone.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “Coco” by Elizabeth von Arnim, 1920s
A grieving narrator confronts the death of a beloved dog, expressing impossible love and sorrow.
In simple terms: Grief over a dead pet.
Key Takeaway
Allow yourself to mourn fully.
Themes
grief
loss
love
memory
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
emotional
memorial
When to use this quote
- visiting a pet’s grave
- writing a eulogy
- support groups
- memorial rituals
Key Concepts
attachment
impermanence
emotional catharsis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor memories of lost loved ones?
- What rituals help you process deep sorrow?
A Different Perspective
Grief can linger and become overwhelming without support.
