WALK WITH AN OLD DOG ... by Gayle Jokiel

Because you will not be forever,
Hope against time though I may,
Paint your picture in my memory.
Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray.
Because you walked with me in springtime,
Puppy-clumsy, running free.

As you grew, we grew together --
You became a part of me.
Because I shared with you my sorrows,
Not understanding -- simply there.
Often spurring me to laughter --
My friend, you know how much I care.

Because the years have slowed your fleetness,
Though your spirit still is strong.
I promise I will take more time now,
So that you can go along.

Because you do not fear the future,
Living only in the now,
I draw strength from your example ...
Yet time keeps slipping by somehow.

Because the day will soon be coming
When I will no longer see you rise to greet me -
but in memory you will always walk with me.

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