Silly things they are—
companions at best,
and true friends, even better.

Mine is the brown kind,
with smoldering eyes
and a folly for snacks,
scolding the trees late at night,
awakening me to
his fierce, warrior ways
every time a loud engine brays.

I wish to keep you forever and ever,
every moment—
you and me, together.

But ten years is a long while
for a dog like you.
I guess I'm just grateful
that happiness
is all you ever knew.