A Poem For Taz

I don't consider myself much of a poet, but bits and pieces of this kept running through my head, and I finally had to take the time to get it written down and tweak it until it seemed right. Get a tissue ready, it's definitely a bit of a tear-jerker (but straight from my heart).

I DIDN'T KNOW

I didn't know that it was our last night together

Sleeping with you curled up by my side

Your warm presence so comforting

The first thing I see when I arise

I didn't know that it would be our last morning

Eating my breakfast as you waited by

Always a treat for you when I finished

But today you just turned aside

I didn't know what you were trying to tell me

Laying your head on my knee as a sign

You knew something just wasn't right

But I couldn't understand what it was

I didn't know you were in such distress

As you tried to follow me from room to room

Always so patient and willing

But struggling now just to get by

I didn't know we had no time to spend waiting

You always seemed so healthy and strong

But I saw you were starting to fade

And knew it was time then to go

I didn't know it was our last car ride together

With you riding in front as you loved

You tried to sit up as usual

And I gently just held you back down

I didn't know it would be the last time I carried you

Cradling you in my arms like a babe

So many times I'd held you before

And you trusted I wouldn't let you fall

I didn't know when they took you away from me

That I'd never see that sheltie smile again

That special light in your eyes that twinkled

For me, it's as bright as the sun

I didn't know if you heard my last goodbyes

As you struggled so hard just to breathe

I wanted to keep you forever

But had to let you go in peace

I didn't know my heart could break so completely

That I could be in so much pain and still go on

But I have others that still need me here

And your story to always pass on

I didn't know life would change so much when I got you

And that it would change just as much when you left

But you put paw prints right on my heart

And I'll never be the same again