Milo Poem by Angela Wybrow

Milo

Our paths, they crossed, for a short while,
And, during that time, you made me smile;
In the back garden, we both had such fun
With all of your toys, as we basked in the sun.

You would often follow me up the stairs,
In the hope that my food, with you, I would share.
You would lie on the rug by the bed in my room:
When you were there, it lifted the gloom.

You weren't one to mix in doggy society,
And you suffered from severe separation anxiety.
Your soul, it seemed, sometimes deflated,
As, for your mistress, you patiently waited.

To us both, you had shown much affection,
And things seemed to be heading in the right direction;
But, very suddenly, your behaviour, it changed:
You were out of control and could not be tamed.

Your misdemeanours, they were stacking up,
And soon overflowed like an overfilled cup;
Sadly, I could see with my own two eyes,
That to keep you on just wouldn't be wise.

Out of the blue, the decision was made:
The sun went in and my world was in shade;
I stood in the kitchen and was told the news,
But it wasn't my place to express any views.

With the RSPCA, contact was made,
And, a few days later, you were taken away.
I swear I can still hear your paws upon the stair,
But, of course, in reality, you're no longer there.

I desperately didn't want you to go -
I held you close and I told you so;
In the time we had, we formed a strong bond,
And, of you, I became extremely fond.

My hand or my voice, I never once raised,
Even when you careered around, looking half crazed.
I never endured your barking or biting,
So I wonder what made me quite so inviting?

I miss you greeting me at the front door;
The emptiness in the air, I find hard to ignore.
I wish that you hadn't had to go away,
But, in my mind, fond memories will stay.