Your Shadow With A Tail

I remember when your laughter Was a light across the floor— Sun spilling from your mouth, Feet dancing through the door. But now the house is quiet, And your eyes don’t meet mine. You sit, unmoving, breathing, Like a clock that lost its time. I nudge your hand in silence, Bring my leash, then bring it back, But you just stare through windows, Watching days fade into black. So I lie beside your shadow, My nose against your knee, And listen to your heartbeat Like it’s whispering to me. I don’t know all your sorrows, Just the weight they leave behind. But I can curl against the ache You’re too tired now to find. I’ll guard you through the midnight, I’ll stay when morning breaks. Even if you never move, I'll never walk away. The bowl sits empty longer, The walks are few and slow. I wait beside the doorway For a world you used to know. I miss the fields, the laughter, The trails we used to roam— But more than all the running, I just want you to come home. You feed me though your hands shake, You speak though words are few. And though I can't fix broken things, I’ll share what's left with you. So take your time, my human. I'll wait here—soft and still. For when you're ready to return, I’ll love you harder still.