Tomorrow he goes
tomorrow he leaves
like those two spacemen did
leaving behind a world on fire
for silent weightlessness amongst the stars.
tomorrow I’ll take him to rest
tomorrow he’ll run again
free of pain to catch his tail
and to swim in a warm sea
too far away from us.
tomorrow we’ll say farewell old boy
tomorrow we’ll kiss his fur goodbye
we’ll breathe in that warm dog smell
and stroke his silken ears
one last wonderful time.
tomorrow I’ll remember you
tomorrow I’ll never forget
the strong thump of your tail on the rug
the speed of the wag at supper time
and every time we were near.
tomorrow I’ll take away the traces
tomorrow I’ll be lost in grief
but I’ll be finding soft black hair
on cushions and sofas for months
and be glad that you’re still here.
Tomorrow never comes they say
but now tomorrow is today and I’m totally lost
bereft without my shadow
holding a shabby red collar
and a kindly proffered receipt.
Tomorrow will be easier
tomorrow I’ll remember the joy
of the precious gift from the Blue Cross
And the honour to live with a Labrador
who who showed us how
To be the very best of us.