Day 16: Phyllis

Today, I honor Phyllis – a dog

I never knew – because

She was a part of you for so long and

Today, you had to let her go.

Her puppyhood distemper raised

Its terrible head once more,

And senility caught up with her

All at once, it seemed –

When she bit you yesterday it was clear

The choice was made for you.

Sometimes it is easier that way,

Though it is never truly easy.

And so this morning

You said

Goodbye

To your companion

Of twelve years

Who no longer even

Recognized you

And it was hard,

So hard.

What now?

Your children still play, because you told them

Phyllis has gone to heaven,

And that is enough.

You still bring them inside and cook their dinner,

Because that is what you do,

And that is enough.

But after you sing them to sleep tonight,

Then –

You can finally honor

That hollow place in your heart with tears

Though that can never truly be enough.