Christmas Without You
a love poem to an angel dog
I miss your 7am bark already.
As much as it used to drive me
crazy with its repetitiveness
“hey! Mom and Dad! Breakfast time”.
When you passed, we decided not
to deck anymore halls, no special
markings on our door. Empty hearts
leave for a quiet, subdued house.
Yet, somewhere, I can see you
dancing the way you used to
when we first me, and I’d
take you for a walk.
We were both in better shape then.
I see you asking me with those eyes:
one clear and one muddled
to wake up this morning
for lots of hugs and presents.
I see you nudging my hand
“don’t be sad mommy”
just lay here and pet me.
You were the best gift
under the tree
the one that kept giving.
It was easy to give my heart.
I miss you today and always.
I lost a big part of my heart
when you left, everyone
else can fight for the scraps.
You’d want me to love again.
You hated being an only dog.
It’ll come if it does, allowing
another in, for now we have
your brother, he’s in grief too.
