Cucu’s Return
The chapel of my heart a sentinel stands guard
His loyal fierceness never rests save betimes
To play the rough-and-tumble with me in the yard
Jump on the sofa like a little dragon mime
Watch me, searching, inquiring, in the face
Await a smile, the sign of a game
Sleep curled with love, his ever-constant place
Next mine, warm beating breast
Sweet tender touch of graying grace
Now empty fields of azure fill my rest
I wander hapless room to room
To seek his bark, his yip, his zest
For life and play, affection’s tomb
And silent Cucu’s emptiness
Await my time and pending doom
Soon once again his faith will bless
My arm, my face, my yearning soul
Eternal lovely rest.