"OLD DOG IN A LOCKET"

Old dog in a locket,
That lays next to my heart;
I will always love you,
As I did right from the start.

You were right beside me,
Through the darkest of my days;
It was your kind and gentle nature,
That made me want to stay.

Now I hold you in my arms,
Your breath still warm against my hand;
Our hearts still beat together,
And I wonder if you understand.

Through the hours that I held you,
Before the light did leave your soul;
I knew a way to keep you,
Forever in my hold.

I snipped the hair from around your eyes,
So I would always see;
The beauty that surrounds me,
Even in times of need.

I snipped the hair from around your ears,
So I would always hear;
Music in the distance,
To quiet any fears.

I snipped the hair from across your back,
To bring me strength in time of need;
And the power of your essence,
Would always be with me.

I snipped the hair from around your heart,
That beat in time with mine;
So I would know that love would find me,
At some distant time.

And so, your life slipped out of mine,
On a quiet Spring-like day;
But I knew that a part of you,
Was always here to stay.

Old dog in a locket,
That lays next to my heart;
I will always love you,
Even though we had to part.

--Heidi Stamm (Bainbridge Island, WA}