a poem for fieldy

i watch my little one
bunny hop through the snow
and can't help to wonder,
"will this be his last winter?"
the thought stops me cold
and with a catch in my throat,
he wants to pull forward.
he is oblivious to my thoughts.
(at least i hope he is)
as they come
more frequently now,
almost as frequent
as his new penchant
for napping.
Oh! my little old man!
what will i do without you?
without your
salty, foul breath, kisses?
and your body pushed
so close to mine
in sleep?
who will share
my joys and my woes?
who will share
my meals and treats?
who will share my soul,
my true spirit friend?
these thoughts,
fleeting, cruel,
pass through my mind
when i see
a hesitation of step
or hear too many snores
in a day.
then i just hold him close,
his little doggie heart
so strong,
beating fiercely
as if it knows my fears,
and i am reassured
that my sweet companion
is far from ready for
my teary elegies yet.