Walk With An Old Dog by Gayle Jokiel
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Because you will not be forever
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 springtime
Puppy-clumsy, running free
As you grew, we grew together -
You became a part of me.
Because you shared with me 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.
