Black Dog Poem by Greg Davidson

A black dog follows me,
No collar nor a lead,
Its form I can not measure,
Of undetermined breed.

A black dog followed me,
My step a merry gait,
Then it left me quite alone,
I pondered not its fate.

A black dog followed me
It disappeared a while
But it did return again
When I had gone a mile.

A black dog follows me,
My companion I'll ignore,
My tread a steady onward march,
My eyes fixed to the fore.

A black dog follows me,
It matters not what pace.
My steps are clear upon the path,
Its paws, they leave no trace.

A black dog follows me,
No others on the road.
No muse, companion, mentor, friend,
I've none to share my load.

A black dog follows me,
Like a shadow by my side.
Storm clouds dim my path.
But it will not be my guide.

A black dog follows me,
Nipping at my heel.
Anxiety eats me from within.
I question what is real.


A black dog follows me,
No interest in my tears.
With hollow smile it follows me
And catalogues my fears.

A black dog follows me.
Steeper grows the grade.
My resolution falters,
My strength begins to fade.

A black dog follows me,
Though it will not choose my end.
I set my face into the wind,
My sanity to defend.

A black dog follows me.
I know I must resist.
I will not, must not, yield to him
I know I must persist

A black dog follows me.
Before me is my goal.
Silent prayers I send above,
My Lord to keep me whole

A black dog follows me.
And though the road does rise,
Onwards I intend to go
Until I reach the prize.


2012