In halls where silence paints the air,
Where echoes dance, bereft of care,
A senior dog, with fur turned gray,
In sheltered shadows, finds his way.

No youthful bark, no playful leap,
Just longing sighs, in slumber deep.
Yet in his eyes, a spark remains,
A testament to love's sweet pains.

For those who've loved and seen depart
A loyal friend, a piece of heart,
Know well the pain that parting brings,
Yet cherish still the love it sings.

Better far to have shared the road,
To have eased the weight, to have lightened the load,
Than let one pass, in silent gloom,
Alone, unloved, in a shelter's room.

For every moment spent in grace,
Each gentle touch, each fond embrace,
Illuminates the darkest night,
With memories burning ever bright.

So let us choose, while yet we may,
To love, to cherish, come what may.
For better far to have loved and lost,
Than leave a soul in winter's frost.

To save one life, a noble quest,
To offer love, and give our best,
For in the end, our hearts will show,
The depth of love only they can know.

March 22, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop