Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Charlie and Thunder

For Terijo with Love

So scared tonight, he made me feel as helpless
As I am. He’s looking at me as I write
Cataracts on his eyes, panting. Fear. No disguise.
The fear he feels at the strangeness of the universe,
The inexplicability of life. The Thunder…
But he knows I love him and he takes heart
As I tempt him into a cave under my desk
And Yes! He has finally settled down –
At least a bit — panting still but no longer
Muscled for attack. He’s quiet. I have him back.
For the few quiet years remaining for us
Before we say goodbye, my Charlie & I.
He taught me to be brave, taught me to be firm,
But nothing could prepare me for losing him.