Our Lucky Boy

This will be a week of firsts
and lasts--
Seven long days and nights.

Frail and trembling--
You stole our hearts but a decade ago.
Leaning tightly against the fence weave,
as if trying to seep through.

As all the others barked and howled
you were silent, begging us
Please--
Take me with you.

Our only daughter was but three
We had concerns about the fit.
You were large, though thin
but so gentle, careful and even.

You've been her playmate
Her dress-up doll
Her towel for crying eyes.
You've been our protector
Our welcomer
Our true and loving friend.

Ten years have elapsed so quickly--
She's grown
The family's moved.

Frail and trembling--
You still rise each day to greet me.
You limp and slowly pick your way
through the house for me to take you out.

You look to me as best you can
Your sight has dimmed,
Please--
Guide me past the doorways.

Our daughter now is thirteen
and the thought of you gone is heartbreaking.
Once again you are thin,
but your love and devotion remains strong.

You've been my confidant
My shadow
My welcome wagon home.
You've been our loved one
Our friend
Our constant companion.

But now your time has come
Lucky Boy,
It would be unfair
To make you go on.

You've never let us down, no
Not once
And difficult as it is,
It's now our turn.

This week will be a week of firsts--
Our daughter will learn about loss.
Your backyard buddy will learn about loneliness.
I will learn to be strong.

This week will be a week of lasts--
Our last walks with you
Our last talks with you
Our last meals with you
Our last licks from you
Our last hugs for you.

But you will run again,
You will not hurt again,
You will see again--
And you will play with all the little children
who, like you, had to leave too soon.

I love you Lucky Boy!