My First Pet

Seldom does such a scene
Capture the warmth of the human spirit
As much as that of a child playing with its dog

I remember days come and gone
When hours were spent playing with my canine companion
Swimming in the shallows of a golden beach, chasing each other in the park, or even just wrestling on the living room floor

The location was never of importance
Just as long as we were together

And these carefree days continued
Until the harrowing day came when my pet
Fell to the ground while we were playing at the park again
At first I laughed because I thought he might be playing dead
Then I went over to get him up and saw the emptiness of his eyes
And placed my hand on his chest to feel no heartbeat
My face went pale and a sudden wave of despair came over me
When I realized: he was not playing, he really was dead

And that memory will never leave me
I still remember his soulless face whenever someone makes mention of him

Though it's not all entirely dreadful
Because anytime I pass a beach, a park or even my living room floor:
I still see him and I wrestling and playing, happy as ever.