…and she’ll be gone soon.

It is inevitable,

yet it cripples my heart.

We brought her home,

tiny and helpless,

bright-eyed and sweet-tempered.

I held and kissed her,

stroked her head and tummy

until she fell asleep.

Then she sighed

in deep contentment

and my heart sighed too.

She still has good days.

But she is unsteady,

barely eats.

At night she wants me near her.

I watch her sleep

and she still sighs.

So does my heart,

knowing the day will come

and soon

I will lose the one

who loves me best,

without reserve.

Forever.