A kid shunned and stoned by peers her age, 
Her name, a poet’s, who wished a world without outcasting cage.
She spoke of kindness, yet was always shunned, 
But two four-legged angels, her heart they won.

In 2007, they met as pups, their destinies intertwined from the start.
One dark and beige, with coarse hair tufts. 
The kindest dog, she grew to be, and the favourite of god indeed…

Another a round white fluff, like a polar bear, you see.
With one blind eye, she stole her heart.
She chose them to give her love so pure, 
And they returned it threefold, that’s for sure.

Her parents, hesitant, not ready to commit, 
Let them in during the first rain’s gentle hit. 
The door that opened, expanded the clan, 
She played with them, hide and seek, football, and ran.

A sisterhood formed, one human, two dogs, 
They dropped her, picked her, through life’s fogs. 
As she grew, they waited in the street, 
Listening to bicycle rings, their hearts upbeat.

Years passed, they leaned on each other, 
One fine day, tragedy struck like no other. 
A thief’s cruel act, a sister lost, 
2012, a year of unbearable cost.

Regrets filled her heart, a vow she made, 
To protect her pearl-like sister, never to fade. 
Loved with every bit of her life, 
The family adored her, through joy and strife.

Pampered with food, cuddles, and care, 
An old soul, wise beyond compare. 
Years passed, her sleep increased, 
Zoomies on the rooftop, a rare feast.

Still, she loved with unwavering grace, 
The wag, the side eye, the smile on her face. 
Her barks grew fewer, but in dreams, they thrived, 
As she moved her paws, her spirit alive.

Hugging her tight, she gave life meaning, 
Half her life, in love, she was leaning. 
15 years, 16 years, time flew by, 
Once she got lost, but found, oh my.

17 years, lost mobility, then regained, 
A queen’s spirit, never restrained. 
18 years, then she left, tears flowed, 
Every night, in dreams, her presence glowed.

Will gathering her fur bring her back to me? 
Will her favorite fish treat on her grave set her free? 
Will calling her name, whistling in the night, 
Bring her back, make everything right?

Nothing makes sense, but one thing is clear, 
They are watching from afar, always near.
Barking above the clouds
Waiting for me to hear…

-A Solivagant’s Shoes