Dakota

When our dog Dakota died I cried and cried and cried. I cried more than I did for either of my parents when they died. It wasn’t because I loved her more than my parents, but because pets place such trust in you, love you unconditionally, are always ready to play with you, and you therefore feel a very special responsibility to them. Pets, a dog in this case, can therefore break down those barriers in you that have built up over decades, and break through to touch your heart directly.

I wrote this poem for Dakota after she died a few years ago.

Dakota

It’s hard to get to know me
I don’t let folks inside my chest
My heart is strangely shut to others
Yes, it’s closed at best

Why, I cannot tell you
Maybe I was hurt
Too many times
By girls or friends
Or hopes and dreams I had

But you Dakota
Came into my world
Your wagging tail
Unleashed the love in me

Yes you Dakota
Jump into my lap
Your floppy ears
Brought love unexpectedly

I seldom go out drinking
With buddies anymore
I never stay out later
Than my body can restore

I go to work each morning
Just waiting for five o’clock
When I’ll scoot home quickly
To take you for a walk

Yes you Dakota
Came into my world
Your wagging tail
Unleashed the love in me

Yes you Dakota
Jump into my lap
Your floppy ears
Brought love unexpectedly