Shawn (For Constance's Contest)

Shawn (My assigned topic: Pet) You nuzzled your heart into my soul. Tiny, cold nosed, and whimpering Destiny intercepted. You, God’s gift to lighten my life, Could have been a junk-yard-dog. Brave and ferocious like your mama. Before you, days held no happenings. Experience and friendships…ordinary – When warm-furry you lay grunting in my arms, Life became an adventure. Instantly friends, we two, connected. Barely three weeks old, life depended. And love found me…not alone. Lolloping beside me in parks, My eyes sparked! We two, running and playing You grew. Down the slide, through the trees, Hunting sticks, fetching to please. We moved across the country And lived on a hill. You could count to two or ten. Find your shoe or just sit still. You were my thrill. And so it was until your future fell. You seemed to be perfect Until anguish played – Death due to a rare blood disease Weeks after surgery, your guts spilled. Hanging on the ground All covered with grit and grime With a sheet wrapped around we sped. I could not let them put you down. Not without at least a chance. Three days of cleansing and antibiotics. Tears. And we were lost. You in paradise somewhere And me stuck on earth without love, again. In time, there were others…pets. But none like you, my first. So true And forever –