Reflecting On My Pooch

I remember when you came to me, a slinky sleek bundle of fur and muscle, dashing, daring, purring, and pouncing, testing the limits and the patience of all, playing in the morning, playing at night, sliding on the carpet, never sleeping, never stopping, energy incarnate. You burned so brightly in my life, lighting our world with toys and tests, talking and jumping, clawing and pouncing, nurturing your elder, nurturing me, comforting and consoling, kissing away tears and trials, loving always, soothing and slinky. You grew and grew, first up, then out, so round, so happy, laser pointers -- who cares, contentment in a jolly round ball, with your big belly inviting the pet, the rub, the snuggle, the cuddle, my pillow, my gentle living big and warm, pillow. Toy mice as babies, carried through the house, surprises in my shoe, was that a joke, laughing at me or laughing with me, slipping on your gifts, midnight tripping on the dark floor lump, not malicious, laughing with me I decide, with delightful sparkle eyes, surprising grace, embracing life. Years pass and you burn less brightly, sixteen candles and nine lives gutter, the weight falls away, the attention span, bones and skin, but always love, always pur, happy to be, my friend, my buddy, my cat named dog. Your flame fades, and I miss you already, Pooch.