Daisy

by Daryl Cloud
(Battle Creek MI)

Today I laid you in the ice-cold ground, with a large piece of my heart
And soul, as I think of all the things I loved that you and I everyday did.

Like in the morning we’d go for a ride for my morning coke how all the people would smile and laugh when you would get behind the wheel of the car. I loved how you’d bark while I was in the store because you couldn’t wait for your snack while Tess just waited patiently. Every noon it was peanut butter time and you and Tess would get a slice of bread with your favorite stuff. I swear you liked it more than steak.

During the day I worked in my studio and you and Tess came and lay on the floor. No matter how loud the music got, you still were happy to be were I was and that was enough. I still remember when I first got you how you were scared to come down the studio stairs and you’d bark and bark at the top of the stairs because you were left alone. Then one day after I’d given up the you’d ever want to come down, I looked up and there you were, tail wagging happy as can be.

I think the thing that I will miss most is late at night watching TV with you beside me, head in my lap, just because you wanted to be with me. Finally I’d call "last pee," you and Tess go one more time, then peanut butter and then it's time to sleep. You'd always be right beside the couch. How empty the days will feel from now on.