I sit in your spaces
and listen to the silence
that fills the world
The creatures are with me
they feel the absence
as acutely
as anyone
Pride (and Courage Dog) sit with me
keeping vigil
through the dark
and the cold
we wait
for your return
You are there
doing the needful
taking care
of beautiful you
Etched in my heart
is the picture
through the window
of small pale
strong and frightened
you
you reached out
when the weight grew heavy
and clung to everything
in life that is good
with fear and pride
I tie the knots
in the rope
for you to climb out with