I am growing older.
So many friends now have gone away,
but there you are each morning
to help me start my day.
I say "Good Morning Charlie.
Is it time to go outside?"
From the foot of the bed you greet me
with your sparkling button eyes.
You stretch and yawn and shake a bit
then you are by my side.
Washing my face with morning kisses,
you make me glad to be alive.
So, up we get, and take a walk
just outside our apartment door.
Our surroundings now quite new to us,
so much different than before.
Mountains and trees now replaced
with hot Nevada sand.
Friends left behind for both or us
but we will face it paw-in-hand.
When I am blue, you are always there
to kiss my tears away.
You listen as I stroke your fur
and fears are tucked away.
When day is done we go to our room
the bedtime ritual to begin.
When all of that is over,
I thank God for my dearest friend.
For the lonlines of an aging life
somehow magically dissapeard
because of a heart wrapped in a ball of fur
that gives me a reason to stay here.
So goodnight to you, my dear Charlie.
Sweet dreams throughout the night.
I will await your morning kisses
and start my new day in their delight.
We will face the day tomorrow
Two old friends that shall remain
held in the bond of given love
that has come our way.
When I count my blessings
I start them counting you
Charlie, you give my life great meaning
just "Hanging Out With You!"
Author's Notes/Comments:
My mom has just recently moved from California and lives just in back of me. She and her little dog Charlie are again making the adjustments of starting over in a new way of life. Mom is 75 years old and has lived through the deaths of two husbands. She is legally blind and can no longer drive. She has always been so independant and that adjustment alone was very hard for her to face. As many older folks, she is now experiencing the loss of friends that have gone on before her. It is tough to be alone at any age. Of course, we love her dearly, but we cannot always fill the spots of her heart that yearns for the closeness of another living thing at any given moment or fill the emptiness of the place she calls home. She can reach out and touch love any time of the day or night. Charlie, is one of the most loving little dogs you will ever meet. He is about four years old and beautiful. He watches over my mom and is by her side every second of the day and night. She caters to him, will not leave him alone for more than an hour or two and makes him special treats when he decides he is not going to eat that nasty dog food! When she is gone the TV is left on to his favorite cartoons. smiles. Everyone that knows my mom knows Charlie as well. I thought of writing this the other day when mom said "I guess one of my biggest blessings is being able "To hang out with Charlie" It not only brought a chuckle to my heart that she would use those exact words at her age, but made me very grateful to a little Pomeranian that gives her such a reason to face a new day. Thanks Charlie! ~Lesa~
Another good poem!
I know very well the compansionship a pet can provide. I have a cat. I have a friend in her 60s. She has a cat. I know the cat provides her with a lot of companionship. It sounds like your mom and charlie have a great relationship. Your mom also sounds very courageous.
Lesa, I don't know what I would do without the company of my dogs... We have three of them in our household, and they are each very important members of our family... Especially my little Beagle, Whisky! As you know, I lost my Beagle, Jasper a few months ago... Dina bought Whisky for me when he was five weeks old, and I couldn't have ask for a dearer or sweeter pup! ... He never leaves my side, and I spoil him totally!!!... You're "Charlie"... Reminds me of my Mother and her little Pomerianian "Taco" I don't think she would be able to face each day without her little buddy. I know exactally where you are coming from with this piece!
Peace and love ~~
your friend ~~~ Dougie ~