golden

---this one is for Misha---
she would sit close to me for hours
silently watching over me,
whether I was sick or healthy
with the same patience
and same dedication;
she would wait
for the touch of my hand
but mostly she would be
ready to give
calm reassurance
that everything should be
the way we want it to be;
oh how I wish she would be
here with me whenever I shiver
lonely and fearful
without my golden retriever.