Jemima

I could abide it no longer, forever treading on glass.  

I had to go. I couldn’t linger,

the next day might be my last.

I had to leave her with him. He alone took custody.

I didn’t have security.

 And I missed her terribly.

They went away, so far away, and I suffered through the pain

of the anguish of a lost love.

I never saw her again.

We weren’t on speaking terms, my ex-partner and I.

I worried she thought I didn’t care.

Many days I cried.

Every day I quietly wondered how she was getting on.

Did she have enough to eat?

Was she growing strong?

I had a dream the other night. She came to visit me.

Frolicking, bounding to my side.

Her body shaking with glee.

My heart filled up with joy. I held her tightly to my breast.

I talked to her with words of love.

Told her she was the best.

She snuggled in so close to me, her head upon my shoulder.

Wisdom seeped from her every pore.

She’d become so much older.

I held her close, didn’t want to let go, for I knew it couldn’t last,

knowing somehow it was a dream

and dawn was coming fast.

The encounter was deeply tactile. I could feel her soft, clean fur.

I stroked her for an age,

savouring unconditional love from her.

My sleep was suddenly shattered. I woke and began to cry.

I can’t explain how I know it,

but I know my dog just died.