Sentinel

There lies at the foot of my bed

A sentinel.

Lion-headed and strong

In spite of waging war -

That peculiar battle against time

Which no one wins.

I cannot see him

But I hear him enter -

The a-rhythmic fall of heavy footsteps

That scrape and slide against carpet

And a heavy sigh -

Hot breath escaping the depth of his lungs

As he stretches aching joints.

Unknowable creature whose love and loyalty

Are completely unquestioned.

Silent soldier standing guard -

Status and species simplified to D-O-G

But a protector sent by and an extension of G-O-D.