no little snores in the middle of the night
nor any as i read or write

deafening quiet
no sweet breathing to keep me company

no patter of paws
across the floor

or lapping from bowls of water....

no knocking at the door
in the dark of the night

owl and fox
out back, nocturnal delight

you left me so suddenly
can't believe it is really still true

but you sent me a new
little friend to love just like i did you...