by Lynn Mayfield
I Know You're Waiting
You came to me so young and sweet
Soft velvet ears and big clumsy feet
I watched with awe as you grew
Big and beautiful, how I loved you
You played with the others, wrestling and all
They loved you too, as you chased up the hall
Quite noisily, you stole my heart
Yodeling and singing, never missing your parts
What a presence you were in my house
Lounging on the sofa, so quiet as a mouse
Your favorite place, lambskin on the stool
Where you slept, comfy and cool
You leaped a fine ballet in the backyard
Chasing the water, playing so hard
Huffing and puffing your way through walks
Pulling me along, no time to stop and talk
You loved the horses; they were your friends
They'd come to the fence, and you'd pretend
To be all fierce, barking and staring
They'd look at you, bold and uncaring
On we'd walk, around and around
Until you'd rest on the soft, green ground
Now my friend, I walk without you
Days are long and nights are lonely
Your presence is to terribly missed
I touch your picture and lay gently a kiss
I hold you close inside my heart, safe from harm
Though not the same as you in my arms
But I know you're waiting in blissful peace
For that brilliant day when I am free
And we will run to each other
I will hug and you will smother
With soft, wet kisses and happy barks
Forever, we will walk in beautiful parks
But until that time
Have fun and play
Run fast and free, enjoy the day
Sniff the breeze
Leap through the air, my funny tease
But never forget my love for you
Strong and deep, fast and true
I love you my dearest friend!