I Am Not Alone (Ode to my Friend)

                There are cold nights in this winter of ours;
                     The fire is glowing bright.
                 In the kitchen a pot of tea brews for one;
                       But I am not alone.
                  I don't hear the ring of friends calling;
                   There are no knocks on the door.
                  The postman passed by again today;
                       But I am not alone.
                       Even in this silence
                   I have the best kind of company
              A quiet companion who is happy to be by my side;
                     Content to let me just be;
                        I am not alone.
                    He doesn't ask any questions;
                    I don't receive any demands.
            His eyes grow wide as he listens to the stories of my day;
                       Without judgement,
                        I am not alone.
              There may not be many walking through my door;
                  People have their own lives to lead.
               But in these quiet times with my dog at my side;
                          I know,
                        I am not alone.
                          Jenny
                      Ontario, Canada
                       1998

Boris
When he travels
his front gets where he’s going
before his back leaves home
His floppy ears look like
two pony tails resting on
the sides of his head
His long nose is rivaled
only by Pinnocchio
He loves everyone
he doesn’t know
that some may not feel the
same fondness for him
so they...
in spite of themselves
love him too
His faithfulness
is undisputed
His devotion
is limitless
I rely on him
He is always here for me
showering me
with his own special love
He has no concept of time
so his greeting is the same
whether I’m away
an hour or a day
Unlike Lassie
or Rin Tin Tin
he doesn’t perform
clever tricks
He’s too short
to be majestic
yet..
he has a quiet dignity
unique to him.
When I talk to him
he gives me his
undevided attention
I tell him my secrets
knowing he will
never betray my trust
he is with me
through trying times
and joyful moments as well
He gives so much
and ask’s for so little
a pat on the head
a rub on his tummy
fresh water
a tasty bowl of kibble
a warm clean bed
a biscuit just because he likes them....
for these simple pleaseures
he repays me one hundred fold
When he snuggles in my lap
and tucks his nose
under my arm
(his long nose gets cold)
we are both happy
and contented
What more can one ask
He is the Perfect dog
the perfect pet
I love him
My Boris
**** Linnea L. Johnson © 2/17/98

  Go to more poems