My dog and I

My dog and I, the hills we know

Where the first faint wild roses blow,

We know the shadowy paths and cool

That wind across the woodland dim,

And where the water beetles swim

Upon the surface of the pool.

My dog and I, our feet brush through

Full oft the fragrant morning dew,

 Or when the summer sun is high

We linger where the river flows,

Chattering and chuckling as it goes,

Two happy tramps, my dog and I.

Or, when the winter snows are deep,

Into some fire-lit nook we creep

And, while the north wind howls outside,

See castles in the dancing blaze,

Or, dozing, dream of summer days

And woodland stretches, wild and wide.

My dog and I are friends till death,

And when the chill, dark angel's breath

Shall call him from me, still I know

Forever friends, my dog and I.

(Norah M. Holland (1876-1925))