Elegy for a Good Dog

He woke me every morning

at dawn to greet the sun,

and pawed me every sunset

for his evening doggie run

I'd come home from work to find

him woo-wooing at the door,

or a still-warm hairy sofa

while he fake-slept upon the floor

He claimed my evening dinner as

no more than his hors d'oeuvre,

and yappie dogs and cats got chased

as much as they deserve

This was my dog, this king of dogs,

this was the life he led

But age and sickness brought him low

when health and youth had fled.

This dog who fought the ocean

by time-passing was betrayed -

left droopy-eyed and panting

on the table where he laid

In silence I kissed his cheek and

hugged him close and wept,

While peacefully he closed his eyes,

laid down his head and slept.

He passed that day and said goodbye

to a body that would not mend

And as he died I bid farewell

to my true and faithful friend

Godspeed my dear companion,

thou wise and noble beast -

Wait for me upon the bridge,

my Zekey, rest in peace.








Zeke the
Wonder Dog
November 1993 - July 2006