They will not go quietly,
the animals who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a meow or bark at the door.
Or a step back
when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around
the place the food dish used to be.
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
Although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts belongs to them,
and always will.
