Familiar Shadow

      I see a familiar shadow
      Moving by my chair
      I reach down, my friend, to touch you
      But you're no longer there
      I suddenly remember
      You had to go away
      It broke my heart to lose you
      But I knew you couldn't stay

      Yet I look into the garden
      I'm sure that I can see
      You running chasing butterflies
      The way you used to be
      I'm sure I heard you barking
      It wasn't a mistake
      I strain to hear it once again
      For any sound you make

     When I walk down the country lanes
      I know that you're there too
      You're racing through the bracken
      Just like you used to do
      The rustling of the undergrowth
      That only I can hear
      I know it's just to let me know
      That you are still near

      I feel you by my bed at night
      Your warm breath on my cheek
      But I know you will disappear
      If I try to take a peak
      So I just lie here quietly
      And be content to know
      That in spirit you've come back to me
      And you'll never ever go.

              ~~~~ Maggie Moore