I am the white dog

I seek to vanquish the black dog

Before my charge

Succumbs to its dreaded presence

It does not fear me

It scarcely acknowledges my existence

Why should it?

I have no power

Other than to observe

Its lethal stalking

That wisps through me

As if I were an apparition

I too read the signs as

My charge’s vacant stare

Deep into torment

Reveals pain known only to her

As the black beast consumes

At will

The prime cuts of her life

Leaving behind

Only scraps of misery

My gentle muzzle is no match

For its jagged compliment

Slicing through me without leaving a mark

Reopening her scars

That had nearly healed

It is as relentless

As I am determined

To deflect each intrusion

By illuminating the dark shadows

With the antidote

Of love

And understanding

I am the white dog

And I realize that

Without my charge

I am but one short step away

From the emptiness of life's pound

Copyright 2010 Patrick Granfors