Daisy Mae

This childish imp performs a little dance when hungry,
or climbs on top of me if I am very slow to act;
she peers at me when she desires something else –
as if I can read her mind – which I continue seeking to do.

We never tire of being together.

Daisy jumps up to give me wet “kisses” when I am suffering,
her curly black hair warms my heart and my feet;
it thrills her to drive with me in my Honda CRV,
but she yields to slumber as the vibrations lull her to sleep.

We enjoy our nap time or our “nighty-night” time,
when she snuggles close
and scoots over until no light shines between us;
curving her delicate frame around mine
as I mold myself to hers in sleepy obedience.

Daisy-girl is a part of me,
woven into the fiber of my being.

She brings me comfort when the pain overwhelms,
when depression wins the day –
when loneliness creeps in from being confined to bed –
she is always there for me
and I am there for her.

And even when I neglect to fill the water dish,
her devotion prevails;
she still turns to me when living becomes scary for her,
and cuddles next to me when she craves affection and friendship.

Existence for us is challenging, yet rewarding;
and I cherish her from a soul
full of gratitude and love
for our shared experiences and sorrows.

But evil invaded Daisy’s tiny frame
with a cancer that stole her joy away.

And with a shattered heart
and inconsolable grief
I wrapped this gentle girl of mine
in her special pink blanket,
cradled her in my arms for one last moment,
kissed her goodbye…