The Changing of The Guard

I didn’t know how much I’d miss you,
Till I could no longer wake up to your kiss.
Your delicate coat would always be under my palm, granting me guidance with any task.

I miss your little head and your big feet.
Your long whiskers, and pointed ears.
I miss how you would cradle me in the night, and be there when I would awaken.

I know you had to move on.
I’m old now, but you were older.
I had you by my side my entire life,
so without you I am lost.

You left my care in the paws of someone new.
You entrusted me to them.
Maybe even entrusted them to me.
But they are very different.

They do not lay with me as I sleep,
Or howl at me when their hungry.
They don’t wait at the door for me,
Or follow me outside to the grass.

They are very different from you.

They sit next to me while I work,
And they follow me through the night.
They watch me as I play games,
And even beg to play fetch.

Part of me wishes they were more like you,
But I know that can just never be true.
And while I love them so much,
I will still always miss you.