Little Dog

The little dog is old and grey, synthetic fur once satin, matted From childhood you loved him, yet you gave him to me On that far-away day, a lover's sacrifice You kissed him in playful parting I held him every day when you departed, seeking something—anything Of your essence A silly thing of the broken-hearted Yet no comforter was he to me Most pungent, bitter-sweet memory The void you left those many years ago remains Forever derelict somewhere in my soul He was beautiful, bathed in the fragrance of you Just a tatty old stuffed toy, that we both loved.