Her Empty Run

And the light was muted,
seemed appropriate later
on that day in December that took her
Funny the things you remember over time, little details

What was playing on the radio that can no longer be borne
The last moments, hobbling out to the run, paws failing
not knowing these were the last, but maybe knowing
Sad, the things you hold on to when she's long gone and the run is empty

When you lose your spirit, your reason
then health begins to deteriorate rapidly
Can't stem the tide, that inevitable wave
You are not even sure what you regret and maybe that's a kindness

Will to continue all wrapped up in those big brown eyes
looking at us and telling our pathetic masked faces that it was time to go
So much love she inspired that she never even knew
Or maybe she did and that's what carried her home

And the light was muted
for an afternoon
tears in our eyes, but not hers
we said goodbye to most of what made us smile.

Most, but not all
We remember things in bits and pieces
Not about that day so much
And the light was muted and heaven opened just for her.

That day in December
that broke us in a way that a manipulative virus never could.
There are some things that can't be saved
and are better left to fly free
over her empty run

~~~