Ghost Shadows

for the Thursday Think Tank prompt

at Poets United : Shadows

For fourteen years
you were my shadow,
along the sandy beaches
stretching to forever,
down every forest trail,
on walks
along the river,
or swimming
at the lake,
lying on the floor
beside me
as I tapped the keys,
watched a movie,
read my book,
went to sleep.

You followed me
from the
wilderness
we loved
to live in town.
You mourned
our loss of wildness
right along with me.

To be with me,
you gave up
everything you
loved.
You would have
followed me
anywhere,
even to
the gates
of hell.

That last night,
you didn't want to
get out of the car.
I had to drag you.
Obediently,
head down
with knowing,
you followed me
into the vet's.
You did not
follow me out.

That's the part
that just kills me.

Now I look
for your shadow
everywhere.
I keep waiting
to see your
ghost shadow,
still following me.