I feared this day would come. <br />The reality of my feelings <br />Could only be felt by some. <br />I was afraid, walking through the door. <br />Daddy was there too, waiting for me; <br />An agonising pain sight was there for me to see. <br /> <br />There he laid, my best friend. <br />His ginger and white shredding apart, <br />Confirming by action his days were at an end. <br />I didn't want to lose him; I couldn't bear to let him go. <br />It saddens me to realise that Death cannot take a no. <br />But then her needle came, and his time was up. <br />Poor old Max. He was such a good pup. <br /> <br />While a tear rolled down my cheek, <br />A bright light of fetching games <br />Was what I'd hoped my dog would seek. <br />Daddy was sad. I was sad. All of the family sad. <br />There was no stopping the needle pumping the vein. <br />The lad was gone forever, which was just too bad. <br /> <br />For six long years, our friendship lasted an eternity. <br />Mammy liked to describe us <br />As a back-garden fraternity. <br />He was always there when I needed him, <br />He would never show disrespect. <br />But when we'd sit in bed together, <br />Like brothers, we'd connect. <br /> <br />Not until the thirteenth day of the eighth month <br />Did we exchange warmth with our last and longest embrace. <br />Max had never looked so poorly; I could tell by his melting face. <br />He had received that internal illness because of old age, <br />And from the moment we watched him close those eyes, <br />I knew right then and there that sadly <br />Our physical bond had forever reached the end of its stage.<br /><br />Stephen Cahill Furlong<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/goodbye-max/
