My Secret Treasure

Among broken ceramics, old doll clothes, and books Was a tiny trinket of the past no bigger than a half dollar Bringing a rush of long kept memories into my heart I held in my hand the dog tag he wore hooked on his collar I can still see the little girl’s joy the first time she saw him Black and white mutt, a shelter dog rescued He quickly became the most coveted family member Needing a new home, lots of love, and some food I can feel the warm summer grass under my feet As we used to run around the yard every day Snapshots in my mind of his ball, bone, and bark How he would curl up behind my mom’s legs where she lay We saved him from a most unfortunate fate All those very many years ago He taught us patience, caring, and total devotion It was hard for us when we had to let him go His tag I held dear in my fingers once again It was something my parents had long ago tossed I recovered it, as they had one day saved him For this moment in time to find what could’ve been lost Sweet memories of a cherished family pet Brought alive again for my heart’s pleasure A tiny item of such unknown significance I’ll hold dear forever, my secret treasure