An Elegy to Barkeley

By John Goodie

I had to witness death today
No, not just any death,
but that of my best friend,
a selfless, comforting soul

The soul of an Angel she had
You could tell it by her tail
and the licking of toes
Or jumps to give a kiss

Barkeley, a lab/pit mix I met
when she was the size of a shoe
Had to be put to sleep today
she had laryngeal paralysis

Sounded like she was drowning
with breathing harsh and loud
struggling to endure a walk
just around the yard

I’d not lament the loss of mine
but the life of my dear friend
and faithful loving soul she was
strikes hard the heart with loss

Rest in joy in peace
my friend
knowing you are loved

Your memory
will always be
a special part of me.