'Stay.'

That's what you say.

'Here is where you'll stay.
I won't be long,
I promise.'

My tail wags
In anticipation
as you walk

Away.

I think of how
Happy I'll be
When at last
I'll see
You again.

Will you tousle my fur?
Will you give me treats?
Will you play my favorite game?
That will be the

Day.

As days go by
I hold my ground.
In hopes that
I will soon be
Found.
But,

Nay.

Weeks go by,
I waste away.
Hours will close
On my final
Day.
But,
In the end,
You could never
Say
Your friend of friends
To the bitter end
Did

Stray.