I cannot thank you enough,
for being the reason
that I stayed in this world
every time I didn’tÂ
think I could.Â
—
I cannot thank you enough,
for loving me so unconditionally
and letting me hold you
when I couldn’t breathe.Â
—
You soothed my wounds
and stood by my side
to help me make itÂ
through it all.Â
—
There was so much love
in the way that youÂ
saw me.
—
You were the first
in my life
that made me feel safe,
that I knew would
lay their life down for me
in a moment.Â
—
You might not have known,
but I think you did.Â
I didn’t have to beg you
to believe me
or listen to me.
You just did.Â
—
And even though
you couldn’t speak,
you knew every ounce
of fear
and sadness
that I felt.
—
I cannot thank you enough,
for waiting to draw your last breath
until I got to you.
You knew we needed to say
our goodbyesÂ
and even thenÂ
you tried to protect me
from the devastationÂ
that I feltÂ
when you had to go.Â
—
And I knowÂ
that you’re waiting
on that rainbow bridge,
and you will greet me
with that same love,
still in your caramel eyes.Â
—
That deep, growl-bark
will beacon me andÂ
the white on your chest,
gleaming against the rest
of your black fur
will stand proudly.
—
Your gray chin
and that same toothy smileÂ
you gave me every day
after school
will greet me.
—
And I will feel safe again.