Shift the Dog

His body stiff cold damp lifeless now
walking north in the orchard he died
alone like he lived independent dog
my loss of you is complete forever

so old and yet so young in memory
you bounded past us on the path
did you remember when you pulled
sleds across the Ontario winter land
even in old age you would bound
out in front of us down the path
strident white tail up in the air you
were pure beauty in motion fast
and now you are buried deep
and all we have left is your fur
we carry a piece in our pockets
oh my sweet handsome Shift my
heart is so sad for your passing and
yet I know you were such a gift
God DOg in heaven soar beyond