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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
August 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Oh I just love this. Big congrats. A fave
Ashley Avatar
August 9, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Dear Madison, the poignant power of your gifted pen touches me to the depths of my heart and soul. A profound personification, a sadly beautiful portrait of a loyal dog loving their human. Exquisite, tender, aching.. Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Volumes Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I am a mess, no joke I am crying uncontrollably as I type. No poem has ever affected me this way. Every word is placed perfectly, every sentence brings a vision to one's mind, every stanza creates feelings of faithful love. You have captured the essence of poetry by writing a remarkable poem.
Toney Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Madison, congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 2 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. A Fav poem for me! Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 3 has already started.
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