 Here is a poem I wrote for her.
For Edie
Each human has a journey that must be walked alone,
Through wonder, joy, and sadness, and life’s lessons you must roam.
And then a gentle whisper as you stumble through the fog,
A message just so simple: “I’ll go with you,” says a dog.
The bedroom, kitchen, bathroom—no matter where you are.
Staring right up at you—she’s the gazer, you’re the star!
Each of you the center of the other’s little world.
And life cannot be better as your heart becomes unfurled.
She has no hidden motive, no agenda of her own.
But for the random squeaky toy and tasty marrow bone.
A bond so strong you wonder—Who’s the master? Who’s the pet?
Those wasted years without a dog are something you regret.
Time passes as you share your lives—the adventure and mundane.
And at some point you realize you’ll never be the same.
For you have learned a lesson that you never can forget:
You are a better person for having loved this pet.
The hearing fails and sight grows dim, but still, she knows you’re there.
She’s slower and she sleeps a lot. The walks become more rare.
And then one day she stumbles; before you know it she is gone.
And everything that was so right is now so very wrong.
Dogs’ lives are short. We know this. And never is it fair.
But give your heart to one and change forever if you dare.
You’ll find your way next time you find yourself out in that fog,
For you have known undying love—the joy that is a dog. |