Upon
the trail you always led –
Bounding,
joyful, strong and fleet,
Impatient
with my two slow feet.
How
often I would curse your will –
Your
lupine soul, and hound dog skill –
For
seeming deaf to my commands
And
challenging restraining hands.
Yet,
you would always slow your gait,
And,
harkening, you’d turn to wait.
You’d
urge me on with smiling face,
Your
tail encouraging my pace.
But
now I send you on ahead,
A
kiss upon your noble head.
I
bid you find a happy trail
Where
sweet and carefree days prevail.
My
tears are for the time I’ll spend
Without
my lovely, loving friend
Your
image in my heart and mind
I
tarry, once again behind.
O,
Hound, you go ahead and run!
I
will not call you to be done.
But
keep a watchful, loyal eye,
For
I shall join you, by and by.
L.
Behrmann