Oscar 2002 To 2015

Before I knew the day, the time He’d die, I came home to him, My little smile, knowing he’d Be there, he was always there Always aware I was his Defender, his reminder that Some of us were willing to believe In his war with intruders Intruders who were often invisible Yet, unmistakably real Like the thunder he accepted With trembling heart, fear concentrated It seemed almost a tangible thing, Even as he squirmed from the peace Of my arms, where there was More love that a heart can bear, Love rushing to his rescue, When life didn’t seem to care He knew me when I smiled and When I cried, saw the darkness Bipolar draws over the mind, The soul, and the gentle that a prayer leaves Behind, he knew me like I know He would have died to protect me From the pain of his passing A pain that embraced me with lasting Grief, permanent memories A yearning for the four soft paws, The echo of howls, the affectionate Licking, gentling even the worst of doubts With assurance that love is always The way to bring music out of the clouds, Poetry out of the whines, Breathing hope into the moment Just before yesterday becomes the memory That silences the dark Whispering joy to the heart Who evokes – his little expression When stroking him restored some semblance Of the grace that has always shown me The truth in his eyes, warm and caring, Glowing with affection that comes to life In those whose destiny is service To those of us who hear the song they sing Before their hearts grow wings!