Walk with an old dog

Because you will not be forever

Hope against time though I may

I paint your picture in my memory -

Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray.

 

Because you walked with me in springtime

Puppy-clumsy, running free

As you grew, we grew together -

You became a part of me.

 

Because you shared with me my sorrows

Not understanding, simply there

Often spurring me to laughter -

My friend, you know how much I care.

 

Because the years have slowed your fleetness

Though your spirit still is strong

I promise I will take more time now -

So that you can go along.

 

Because you do not fear the future

Living only in the now

I draw strength from your example -

Yet time keeps slipping by, somehow.

 

Because the day will soon be coming

When I will no longer see

You rise to greet me but in memory -

You will always walk with me.

 

(Gayle Jokiel)