For Sadie

It was never my intent to let her in, She would receive a decent meal and then she'd go, But as the daylight gave way to the night, I couldn't send her out into the snow. I tried to make her stay there by the fire, But she was so resistant to my plan, She eased away and sat down by my chair, Then perched her head so gently on my hand. I never meant to let her stay so long, New flowers bloomed along the path with pride, I told her to stay put while I would plow, Yet there she was just walking by my side. Now spring gave in to long days in the sun, By that oak tree I hungered for the shade, But I had chores to do and rows to hoe, I worked the soil and watched her as she played. I raked them up in piles just right to burn, Came Autumn and the leaves spread on the ground, The weary have no rest now that's for sure, She scattered all the piles that she had found! For many seasons this would be my life, And she remained right there until the end, From where she came I never had a clue, I know I loved her and she was my closest friend. I buried her upon a distant hill, Where buttercups and calla lilies grow, Beside a pond where Sadie used to play, Where I would fish while she ran to and fro. I wasn't my intent to let her stay, There was no room within the heart of me, She unchained a door that I had barred, And forever she will be a part of me. Sometimes late at night when all is calm, The moonlight streaking beams across that hill, I see her shadow running wild and free, It comforts me to know she's with me still.