BROTHER'S DOG.

[dadio]

Sorry to hear about your dog, Cole said.
His brother started up the car and looked
Ahead. It came by surprise, he went out

The back to relieve himself then collapsed
And died in my arms. Cole’s nodded, looked at
His brother’s profile, the greying hair, the

Tired eyes. We knew he was getting worse
And thought we’d have to put him down sometime
Next year, but this was the best way, sudden,

No suffering, Brother said. Cole tried to
Memorise the dog, he’d only seen it
Once or twice, big German Shepherd, deep bark,

Heavy growl. Yes, best way, Cole said. Silence
Ensued for a few moments. Miss him though,
His brother said, bound to after thirteen

Years, stepping around him, too big to step
Over. Cole was touched by his brother’s deep
Love of the big dog, the words, the look in

His eyes. We had him cremated and his
Ashes are next to his photograph on
The side, Brother added, so part of him

Is still there. Cole nodded and coughed. There was
A dull sun hanging in the morning sky,
Chill grey clouds and people passing walking

Their dogs. Life goes on, but some things remain:
Memories, ashes, photos, and Brother’s
Dog running across fields in some far off

Dog’s heaven, barking big and loudly as
He always did, tongue hanging out, eyes bright,
A new horizon for exploration,

Beneath a new sun, for his canine sight.