Empty Collar

The leash still hangs beside the door, But footsteps echo here no more. Your bowl untouched, your bed the same, Yet nothing answers when I say your name. The house is full of hollow space, Each corner aches, each shadow waits. Your toys lay still, your scent remains, A ghost of joy now lost to pain. I swore I heard your paws last night, Soft taps against the floor so light. But silence met me when I turned, Just empty halls and lessons learned. No wagging tail, no sleepy sighs, Just heavy air and quiet goodbyes. They say the pain will fade in time, But all I want is you and mine.