Tucking Her In

The truck flew by on the little country road,

Pulling a flat-bed, bouncing along behind.

The night was dark, the driver never saw her,

As she ran barking across the road.

The boy sure loved that dog; felt they were kindred spirits,

Both so serious about living, yet so full of unfettered joy.

Their loyalty to those they loved,

Teetered on the edge of being pathetic.

He wrapped her in his blanket by the side of the road,

He stroked her and told her he was there.

His hand lay on her head as she drew her final breaths,

And closed her eyes on this world.

Stoically, he dug every bit of that hole,

Deep and long with plenty of room.

Then he lifted her with great effort and lay her down,

Tucking her in just right.