for rivers

,
i wrote this for a friend who lost her dog, rivers, in a tragic accident.  i should repeat here that i dont believe in god or creationism.



a dog is a marvelous beast.
god's wits were with him when
he dipped the cauldron of creation
and spooned a canine mix.
there is nothing in the animal world
so distinctly animal - and yet,
so nearly human.

a dog complements our every waking
moment, and guards our sleep.
he laughs when we laugh, plays
when we play and is reflective...
or sad, in turn.

in truth, he mirrors us, and,
always forgiving, is the perfect
foil for our faults.

a dog's time on earth is, by design,
far shorter than a man's,
his life a quickened version of our own.
the lucky ones have several dogs
and learn a little from the best.
in each, perhaps, they see their own
days spun a little faster.

remember, a dog does not know or
fear death.  to him each day is a new
adventure, to be put to rest at night.

rivers never lost a friend,
had his heart broken or spent a
sleepless night.
what fired his spirit, sparked his eye,
spiced his life,
was his love for you.

what made it all worthwhile
was that he knew he was loved
in return.