by Robert Monahan
I Once Had a Dog
I once had a dog so gentle and kind
Who sleept on my pillow and stood at the window
And read with her senses my moods and my mind.
From a puppy I raised her of only eight weeks
And from that moment after she brought my heart laughter
Though whenever Id cry would lap tears from my cheeks.
When life was a struggle shed tender and snuggle
Ride high on my shoulder to sweeten my day.
When Id sit in the cold shed shiver so bold
Yet would never so venture away.
And try as I would to teach her some good
It seems shed always teach me.
With her methods and ways and the love that she gave
Away unconditionally.
Now she is gone to the stones and the sun
Though I held her right through to the end.
Thirteen years beside me she lives still inside me
She was my closest friend.