Ode to the Dog of a Childhood Friend
Faithful hound, long hast thou sat
Patiently, awaiting thy master's return
By that lake for which thou art named
Which my memory may no longer discern
Thou wert not mine own hound,
Though thy loyalty bespoke me a master surrogate
And thy submissions and elations towards me
Were indeed present until thy time grew late
Thy wisdom perceived an end to the time
Of their dwelling, by thy namesake shore
And distressed thou wert, and I suspect for this cause
Bearing not to be parted, thou wert no more
Faithful hound, many years you dwelt
Let now your body take peaceful repose
Make richer the life, even in thy death
And bless those who dwell now in thy abode