It’s Only A Dog

A fuzzy face and small pink tongue

Little tail swishing back and forth

Joyful exuberance at every greeting

New friend with the trusting eyes

Chasing tails and squirrels alike

 

Barking, yapping all night long

Scattered papers and chewed remotes

Trash strewn and shredded slippers

Piles and puddles on the floor

Drool and fur even on the door

 

Stealing food from highest hight

Sickness, always at midnight

Enormous vet bills, headaches, stress

Restless nights with no rest

Endless panting, jumping and yet…

 

Unconditional love in those trusting eyes

Always glad to see you even on your grumpiest day

Greeting as if you’ve been gone an eternity

Even after only a moment

Lifting you up when sadness abounds

 

Running in the park and chasing balls

Catching Frisbees

Tongue hanging in joy

Happy days splashing in the lake

Snuggling close into soothing fur

 

Slowing down

The table’s too high

Silver fur replacing dark

Soft eyes,

A swishing tail

 

I understand

It’s time to say goodbye

Letting go with a heavy heart

It’s only a dog

Yet so much more