Buddy

What a time
a time of grief
a life is taken
like a thief
fifteen years melt away
so quick in disbelief.

He could not stay
my loyal friend
we said goodbye
time now to mend
to heal and rest
pain at an end.

Endless walks, Clumber Park
a ten mile trip
to Hardwick Village
even with a damaged hip
didn’t bother him at all
he’d just run and skip.

Roamed through woods
in dim moonlight
or on the black
and darkest night
chasing rabbits
in full flight.

Chasing golf balls
just for fun
golfers scorned
and cursed him some
come on Buddy
time to run.

Roamed valleys and fields
tow paths, plains and woods
swam rivers, lakes, canals
and seas when he could
when waters were in recline
he’d wallow in the mud.

The country walks were his joy
The Lakes, Cornwall and more
Somerset, Yorkshire Moors and Dales
Norfolk Broads and Exmoor
put some mileage on those legs
before constant pain and sore.

His last few months
he couldn’t stand
about three barks
was his command
he knew we’d come
with helping hand.

The pain became too much
for Buddy to endure
his life ground to a halt
his joy became no more
but now he’s free to run
just as he did before.

A place on the lawn
his favourite spot
he’d lay in the sun
when the weather was hot
now we’ve named it
Buddy’s Plot.

D. Marsden ©