MY DOG
that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out
into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his
reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he
thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt
when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry
when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he
clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I
am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am
only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret
comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where
before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side
is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has
promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever — in case I need him.
And I expect I will — as I always have. He is just my dog. " /
Gene Hill /