Lexi

For sixteen years, I watched, sweet friends,

Keeping you safe from hurt;

Mailmen, guests, and bad boyfriends,

Had to put in the work.

//

Before my sniffing, barking snout,

All who came did pass;

If they smelled wrong, I showed them out-

I made them leave en masse.

//

I got to watch my people grow-

How precious were those years!

From toddlers then to college folk,

My fur would dry their tears.

//

I was, you see, the softest friend

That you could ever meet.

From my two ears, always upend,

Down to my four Grinch feet.

//

My people liked to walk and play,

And I liked that stuff too!

Sometimes, though, I’d run away,

But I came back to you!

//

You guys got big, and so did I,

Though not too big for hugs.

Even at sixteen, I was spry,

Rolling all on the rug.

//

But sixteen years is a long time

For a dog like me.

After a while, my legs got sore,

And it was hard to see.

//

When God sent me to guide you guys,

He said it was a loan.

I held on so long, but in my eyes,

You saw it was time for Home.

//

I don’t hurt now, and I can see,

I’m watching you right now!

I’ll keep you safe from up here, be

Glad, if your grief allows.

//

We’ll meet again, in painless Joy,

I’ll be okay ‘til then.

There’s lots of smells, and lots of toys,

And so many new friends!

//

I wish my fur was there to dry

The tears you weep for me,

But please, sweet fam’ly, do not cry,

I am forever Free.

///