Together in this grave lie Benjamin Potter, attorney at law,
and Nig his dog, constant companion, solace and friend.
Down the grey road, friends, children, men and women
Passing by one out of life, left me till I was alone
With Nig for partner, bed fellow, partner in drink.
In the morning of life I knew aspiration and saw glory.
Then life, which survives me, snared my soul
With a snare which bled me to death,
Till I, once strong of will, lay broken, indifferent
Living with Nig in a room back of a dingy office.
Under my jaw-bone now is snuggled the bony nose of Nig
Our story is lost in silence. Go by, mad world!

Edgar Lee Masters, "Spoon River Anthology" 1914