How can I be happy when my joy is away
Long periods of time.
I wait....I'm always waiting
For the tornado to arrive
I occupy my space and mind with
Mounds of work and busy time
Running myself into the ground
Silently, a reclusive
Like a widow knitting her web
Quietly I keep to myself
Confide in my canine companion
She is my familiar half
Our silent understanding brings comfort
I miss the sound of his voice
The steps of his shoes
Entering across the hardwood
The faint scent of smoke
Lingering on the porch
Low forgotten radio tunes
That drown out the static
We grow closer through the years
Though the piranhas are always near
They keep a watchful eye
on the hearts we hold dear
