GRETCHEN

When I first saw you
I knew we’d be friends forever
I watched you grow strong and beautiful
You were my "best friend"
You watched over me,
willing to give your life if need be
All you asked in return
was food and a place to sleep
The love . . . we shared unconditionally
When God called you home,
it was unexpected
Even then you watched over me
You gave me the strength to say,
"Don’t worry Gretch, I’ll be O.K."
"It’s O.K. for you to go"
You looked at me one last time
and you were gone
I miss our walks
and silent conversations
I miss your comfort, love and
protective, brown, gentle eyes
I will always love you
I wasn’t ready for you to leave
Silently knowing, I never would be
So my friend, until we meet again
I’m saving you
a blue sky
a drop of rain
a snowflake
a breath of wind
and a moonbeam

This is dedicated to my Rottweiler, Gretchen 5-15-99