Amber

A Poem by Michelle Gent

Passing of a beloved pet

Amber-

Your eyes as black as night
Glazed corneas, tinted glass
Pointed bat ears forever void of hearing
You lay uncomfortably, senses unrelenting

More than a pet, so much more
My fifteen year old Chihuahua-Terrier
A family member, my hairy four legged daughter

In your puppy days, an astute learner
Needing one lesson only
As well as being self taught
Training yourself not to leave the yard
And go to the bathroom in only one spot

My substitute daughter when infertility was unkind
I'd dress you in Santa suits and yellow rain ponchos
Taking you to the super market
And wheeling you along in the grocery cart

I can still remember your puppy breath
As you kissed my face and neck
Side to side, climbing over me nonstop
Making a game of it, left to right, I got your face

A missile you'd shoot through the air
Catching your ball before it ever hit the floor
Then circle the yard like a tornado

Coming to rest, sitting on my feet
I'd extend and reach, trying to retrieve the ball
As you pulled it away, "Psyche" "You missed it
If dogs could chuckle I'm sure you would

But that was a puppy-life-ago
Today you whimper looking to me for comfort
No longer finding joy in playing
Your favorite treats go uneaten on the floor
Your puppy spirit leaving months before

Oh my girl, I know it's time
I'm fooling myself
And being selfish making you stay
If only for my own sake
But I'm sure as hell going to miss you