You’ve warmed our feet with your belly,
On cold nights near and far.
Seen sights that we’ve seen,
And traveled miles in our car.
You’ve warned us, too, of danger,
On long walks through the night,
And frightened off a stranger,
With the presence of your bite.
The tags on your collar tinkle,
As you move by our side.
Your shaded coat shining,
And your head held high in pride.
Our young son now knows you,
For with him you grew.
For wherever we went,
We went with you two.
By his bed you sleep,
Or out in the hall.
Restful, yet ready,
To answer our call.
Water or snow,
Could be your home.
The mountains of green,
Or the wide ocean’s foam.
Looking round the corners,
Head turned side to side.
Eyes so wide and open,
Searching where smells hide.
I’ve bathed you, and petted you,
And called you by names not your own.
And shared with you meals,
Both the meat and the bone.
You’re slowing down now,
As time says you must.
And, as with time,
We all turn to dust.
We’ll remember for always,
The things we did share.
Within us for always,
You’ll always be there.

James M. Garrett has lived in Benicia his entire life. He retired after a career of teaching at Benicia High School. He is the author of “One Great Season 9-0!”, “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” and the compiler of “The Golden Era,” a history of Benicia High School football from the 1948 through 1960 seasons. Contact him at Jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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