walking the old dog
Hope against time though I may
I paint your picture in my memory
Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray.
Because you walked with me in the springtime
Puppy clumsy, running free
As we grew, we grew together
You became a part of me.
Because you shared with me my sorrows
Always understanding, always 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, some how.
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. 
