by Susan Quinn
"Farewell, My Friend"
Wet cold nose against bare legs in summer/
hot breath on my neck as we drive in the car/
Thumping tail from under the bed while the/
clicking of nails sound on the hardwood floor./
Missed meals, a rub against fur here and there/
as work and distractions took from your time/
No complaints, still greeted by wagging tail/
my wet face confirming: unconditional love does exist./
How then, do I face these days without seeing/
your glazed stare and laboring walk?/
16 years by my side, this woman's best friend/
your absence has emptied my heart./
No bowl on the floor, no leash on the counter/
no movement when I leave a room./
Surrounded by stillness, I wait for a sound/
walk by empty spaces where you once lay./
A couple of strays, we grew up together/
belonging to no one, yet loyal and true./
A protective bark and warmth by my side/
you were my constant, when life was in flux./
Your diminishing form, a fall now and then/
the burdens of sickness upon us./
Hiding your pain, with courage and strength/
your last gift of friendship to me./
If only I realized, how much you were fighting/
I would have done more, I would have loved better./
More patience I would've had, less selfish I would've been/
if only I knew the short time we had left./
Leaving you there, on top of that table/
no breath in your body, yet eyes remained open.
I bid you farewell, sleep now, and forgive me/
Death for you now, takes part of me with it.