It is right and fitting
to mourn
any creature’s death--
even that of dog,
whose very name
serves to insult.
As every man deserves
burial
(for it is only decent),
so God deserves our
thanks
for innocent companions,
those who gave our weary flesh
(for are we not
half animal?)
some rare comfort
in this world.
Until our own Master comes
to complete all things,
we will know the loss.