Poem: Old Bruno
Old Bruno
A soft robe, strewn across your bed. Scraps of chicken “fallen off the counter” younger pal Eddie missed. The memory of a squirrel you and Eddie tag-teamed up a tree. Your simple joys.
Silver-grey adorned face and hind legs giving out.
Barreled chest over crossed paws as you fall asleep on a carpeted patch of sun. Rhythmic snoring, like a steady drumbeat, creating loud breathing sounds while you rest. Propped on pillows, dreaming of racing your shadow through the thick scrub oak.
With delight, you danced like a kidney bean, at our sides. Wiggled your entire body and turned into a U-shape, showing us your hind end and face at the same time. Bliss unleashed in sparkling eyes and wagging nub. For twelve years, you followed us with
faith. Trailblazing behind our ATV’s. And would descent into traffic, feral wildernesses, turbulent waters to save our life.
Now, like a tortoise, you battle to keep up. A shadow of who you once were. But your heart is still loyal.
Puppy pills keep you comfortable, but we know one day they won’t work.
Your cloudy eyes are dim and growing distant, seeing into a far off universe. Just beyond our reach.
Don’t leave. I tickle that special spot on your belly that starts your leg twitching. Stay longer. I cringe at the thought of a world without your fur pressed to my cheek. Your calming spirit. Pure love.
Wisdom in your eyes says “I’ve got this.”
There are still so many roads and deep shady places and dog-friendly hotels we haven’t explored together.
Your spine’s sunk, not from the heaviness of years, but from developing wings.
Too soon to take you to trails you’ll be zooming around once more.
Intoxicated with the sights and scents of thousands of fields.
Leaping high to meet the wing of the tiniest ladybug with your nose.
While you will wait for us to make up for lost time.
A soft robe, strewn across your bed. Scraps of chicken “fallen off the counter” younger pal Eddie missed. The memory of a squirrel you and Eddie tag-teamed up a tree. Your simple joys.
Silver-grey adorned face and hind legs giving out.
Barreled chest over crossed paws as you fall asleep on a carpeted patch of sun. Rhythmic snoring, like a steady drumbeat, creating loud breathing sounds while you rest. Propped on pillows, dreaming of racing your shadow through the thick scrub oak.
With delight, you danced like a kidney bean, at our sides. Wiggled your entire body and turned into a U-shape, showing us your hind end and face at the same time. Bliss unleashed in sparkling eyes and wagging nub. For twelve years, you followed us with
faith. Trailblazing behind our ATV’s. And would descent into traffic, feral wildernesses, turbulent waters to save our life.
Now, like a tortoise, you battle to keep up. A shadow of who you once were. But your heart is still loyal.
Puppy pills keep you comfortable, but we know one day they won’t work.
Your cloudy eyes are dim and growing distant, seeing into a far off universe. Just beyond our reach.
Don’t leave. I tickle that special spot on your belly that starts your leg twitching. Stay longer. I cringe at the thought of a world without your fur pressed to my cheek. Your calming spirit. Pure love.
Wisdom in your eyes says “I’ve got this.”
There are still so many roads and deep shady places and dog-friendly hotels we haven’t explored together.
Your spine’s sunk, not from the heaviness of years, but from developing wings.
Too soon to take you to trails you’ll be zooming around once more.
Intoxicated with the sights and scents of thousands of fields.
Leaping high to meet the wing of the tiniest ladybug with your nose.
While you will wait for us to make up for lost time.