GROW OLD WITH DOGS
by
BERNIE DRYER
When I am old...
I shall wear soft grey sweatshirts...
and a bandana over my hair...
and I shall spend my social security cheques
on wine and my dogs.
I shall sit in my house on my well -worn chair and
listen to my dogs breathing.
I shall sneak out in the middle of the warm summer night
and take my dogs for a run,
if my old bones will allow...
When people come to call,
I shall smile and nod as I show them my dogs...
and talk to them about them...
...and the ones so beloved of the past...
and the ones beloved today...
I shall still work hard cleaning after them,mopping
and feeding them and whispering their names
in a loving way.
I shall wear gleaming sweat upon my throat ,like a
jewel and I shall be an embarrassment to all...
especially my family...
who have not yet found peace...
in being free to have dogs as your best friends
These friends that always wait,
at any hour for your footfall...
and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep,
to greet you ,as if you are God,with warm eyes and adoring love and hope,
that will always stay,
I'll hug their big strong necks...
I'll kiss their dear sweet heads...
and whisper in their very special company...
loving dogs is easy ,please accept for who I am...
when you are old you will understand too,
they love my presence in their lives,
if you have dogs you love you too,
