Closing the lid
Of the dreaded box,
Tears begin to threaten,
And then spill downward
In a torrent.
Looking up,
I see the tears
On my face
Echoed on others.

The loneliness hurts,
And stings like lemon juice
On open flesh.
I remember.
Sitting in the dark,
Running my fingers
Through your hair.
The memories come
In a torrent.

The ache in my heart
Will never be filled.
Going for walks.
Romping in the fallen leaves.
Cleaning up your messes.
Watching the first snow fall.
Never again.
Forget "man's best friend",
You were mine.