Lately, it has seemed to come to pass

The dog has been quiet, not any task

Evolved, changed, become subdued 

Not sure why, but now seems to choose



Lying still beside me as I do write my work

Something's changed, no longer full of perk

But then, she's just passed the ten-year mark

So I suppose it's downhill from here to the dark



Which will ensue now in just about five years

- The vet told me the other day, sparking tears

Took her there as she's no longer eating much

Which bothered me to the point I had to touch



Base with the good doctor and get her shots

Now if things change, at least I'll know it's not

Because of any neglect or omission on my part

It'll be because of age - which hits quite hard ...



- Tristram



Christopher W. Thomas

2:35pm Jan. 31st, 1998