There was a time …
Published 8:19 am Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Editor’s note: Rex Alphin rarely submits another’s writing. The following is a piece by a local author. It was penned after the death of his companion of 14 years, a German shepherd named Zeus. If you have never loved an animal, it will mean little. If you have, it needs no explanation.
There was a time
When limbs were strong and steady
Through wooded trails and snowy woods,
Swimming behind and
Dashing ahead
At every creature noise.
When “Walk?” was the word of release,
A prancing, dancing bull set in motion,
Whirling like some ecstatic
Dervish at the door,
Waiting for me to exit.
There was a time when his royal stature and
Menacing bark demanded respect,
A fierce protector by birth,
Announcing intimidation to all
Who passed his roadside kingdom.
Oh, how I long for his days of
Youthful zeal and diligent adventure,
Racing, tromping, stomping
To and fro, ever ready to
Explore with me,
Or relax by a fire on chilly nights,
Head in my lap, at peace,
The world, right as rain.
There was a time,
But it is gone.
The day is spent, the night has come,
The long anticipated dread become real.
The labor of loving the aged and
Withered frame at end,
The fight against frailty
At last, turned to futility.
And so I held him one long, last time,
His head in my lap,
His eyes full of happiness, and
I whispered my love and thankfulness
For all our years of closest friendship,
Whispered “Sweet boy” nothings
In his ear and finally said goodbye.
There was a time his presence
Filled our lives day and night,
But now the memories fill the void,
Pile up like feathers and
Settle at the foot of my bed
As I cry myself to sleep…
By Mike Duke
In loving remembrance of Zeus.
R.I.P. Love ya buddy …
Rex Alphin is a farmer, businessman and contributing columnist for The Tidewater News. His email address is rexalphin@aol.com.