Solace you seek

Chattering voices
Hammer at my brow
Bickering rivals
In endless bitter row

Conflicting views
To stay or to go
To love or to leave
To say yes or cry no

Imagined responses
To arguments not made
What ifs of harrowing hurt
To statements unsaid

Resolution remote
Cross our unspoken divide
Courage gathered to try
Now tempted to hide

Enter the fray
Start talking your mind
Explain how you feel
Gentle, forthright and kind

Dappled light
Enters mild and meek
Fleeting taste of
The solace you seek

Dog biscuits in my pocket

Didn’t know we weren’t complete
Didn’t see the vacant space
That was there for you all along
Your new position at our place

Sleeping under the table
Curled up by me on the couch
Your den nestled in the corner
Leads, toys and training pouch

Hectic greetings of an evening
“Old man” walking off to bed
Proud of you playing at the dog park
Images for all time in my head

You’ll forever be a Sanders
You’ll always be our loving Miska
Thanks for all you’ve given us
The dog we’d always wished for

I will miss you in the morning
Your company I will grieve
Dog biscuits in my pocket
Broken heart upon my sleeve

Drip drip drip

Constant the prod to wake

To never settle into sleep

Unconscious thought to take

Tug tug tug

Threads of anxious plans

What ifs and wherefores

Confidence fails to stand

Lost lost lost

The calming blanket gone

Nerves left bare

Blackboard with nails upon

Tap tap tap

Can’t escape the source

Peace no more

Blue light tortuous force