[moniquew]

> She Cannot Say Good-bye
>
> It is a comfortable little place -- their home
> and it is paid for, cozy, and theirs alone
> Just the two of them, therein, reside
> ... an older lady and the aging canine
>
> Listening to the radio, as the storm grew
> tears well in her eyes, upon hearing the news
> She gazes at her friend, and he regards her, too
> Reporters are saying everyone must now go...
> she was to pack only what she needed from home.
>
> She shakes her head and wonders, Didn't they know?
> that folks like her had no means to get away
> and no car of their own.
>
> But officials called to say public transport would stop by;
> they'd take her and her things, but her beloved friend could not
ride
> Tears fall as thunder and lightning rent the damp air
> Her friend pads over, then leans against her, there in her chair
>
> Sensing her sadness, the old dog wags his tail
> As the wind past their porch swells to a wail
> he reaches up and reassuringly licks her hand
> And as he has always, by her side, he will stand!
>
> She sobs at his sweet, loyal gesture, for he does not know
> that on this journey, her dearest friend will not go
> They had weathered life's storms and both had grown gray
> She worries as they were never long, from the other, away
>
> She rises slowly when she hears the knock on the door
> a man takes her bags, saying, "I'm sorry, ma'am, it's
> now or never -- we can wait no more."
>
> When the old dog follows her, she says "No, go inside where it's
safe."
> his _expression is one of bewilderment and hurt, as rain pelts his
face
> When she steps into the bus, she hears him whimper and cry
> She cannot turn around to him. She cannot say good-bye
>
> She studies the man who holds her bags, then she steps off the bus
> When she reaches her friend, she says, "No future is as important
> as the gift that is us."
> She bends down and, happily crying, embraces her furry soul mate
> "The worst storm ever is near, but alone, you will not have to
wait."
>
> Later, as the night explodes 'round them,
> and she draws him snug to her side,
> he lifts his fuzzy head, stares lovingly at her
> and she contentedly sighs.
>
> For on this, their last journey,
> the two would be together
> always . . .
> . . . now . . . and forever
>
>
>
> ~~*~*~~
> Dedicated to a future where, in a disaster,
> we will not be torn apart from our furry kin!
> Copyright 2005 by Kathy Pippig Harris
>