The New One (Jess) Poem by Paul Reed

A new face appeared at our door
With puppy dog eyes to implore
Us to join you in your dance
As around the garden you began to prance;

Your paws with joyous, youthful bound
Ran over our hallowed ground
And unknowingly, in immature play
You swept the intervening years away;

You leapt up to lick the face
Of everyone in the place
Shook black tail with fluffy white spot
Slurped from the offered water pot;

Paused momentarily because it
Was time to leave a small deposit,
Before taking up again your puppy dog poses
O well, that will be good for the roses!

What treasured thoughts you brought to the fore
Reviving great walks from the past once more
When we caught our breath in the summer breeze
As we strode out over the Leas;

When we braved blizzard, slanting rain and hailstone
To supple limb and strengthen bone
When we walked through the endless nights
And put the world to rights;

When we formed an unbeatable team
With spirits high and minds to dream
When we defied the thundery clouds above
When we discovered the true meaning of love