Love's Path

Did he wait for you 

as a long-lost friend 

with his tail a-wag

and his eyes aglow? 

Did he bear your pain 

time and time again? 

Your hands in his fur, 

that was grace, you know? 

Canine scent will linger, 

not just in your house, 

but will fill your heart also. 

You'll hear sounds 

that remind you of him; 

see bits and pieces 

still hanging around. 

My prayer is that the tears 

these memories evoke 

are made of both 

the water of sorrow 

and the salt of joy, 

that you may be buoyed 

across the ocean of love. 

Grass gave way on the path he trod, 

faithfully marking a trail, 

of the unconditional love of God 

that cannot and will not fail. 

© 2016 Todd Jenkins