How do you say goodbye...
To one who has slept on your pillow, head to head,
the sound of her breathing as familiar as your own?
How do you say goodbye...
To one who shadows you, step for step, room to room,
who wakes from sleep to check that you're nearby?
How do you say goodbye...
To one who keeps watch at the window for your return,
who celebrates your homecoming with a dance of pure joy?
How do you say goodbye...
To one whose warmth and sweet smell are a comfort,
who kisses you with precious puppy licks?
How do you say goodbye...
To one who rescued you from brokenness,
whose loyalty and love are unwavering and unconditional?
How do you say goodbye...
To one who adapts and accommodates,
whose trust in you is absolute and unquestioned?
How do you say goodbye...
To one whose only desire is to be by your side,
who has become a piece of your very heart?

Your suffering shall end soon,
though mine has just begun.
I do not want to let you go,
But I’m told the time has come.
I’ll hold you while you go to sleep,
and wish that I could too.
I do not want to say goodbye.
I want to go with you.
Sleep now, my precious baby,
dream of your favorite toy,
and all those games that brought us joy.
I’ll think how very blessed I've been
For all the years we've shared.
I'd not trade them for anything,
though this heartbreak would be spared.