Defender of the Realm

He was, “The Defender of the Realm”
his “lion like” countenance
only matched by the mighty heart
that beat beneath his red breast.
He was neither man…nor beast
and occupied a singular plane of existence
known only to himself.
His thoughts and actions were,
to the extent of the possible, his and his alone.
Others of his species were tolerated,
lesser creatures to be indulged, or ignored,
his…would be the final...agreement.
‘T is quite possible,
after knowing him,
to believe he was the reincarnation
of a stately prince or noble king,
for that is the manner in which he conducted himself.
His walk was that of both refinement and dignity
somehow combined with that
of the self-assured soldier,
his mission always clear, his vision forever focused.
He “endured” this particular “resting place”
where his was not the cardinal voice
of authority.
Yet, occasionally,
the frivolity of youthful intent
betrayed the regal gaze
and the warrior’s steely glance,
and the simple joy of “being” descended upon him,
as he ran across rain dampened grass
or spotted something of interest on the horizon.
He was both intuitive and impatient,
malcontent and devoted,
with acrobatic skills that only enhanced
the fearlessness of his very nature.
Yet, despite all the seeming links
to royal lineage, it was love…
love of his home, love of his family
that will keep him in the hearts
of those who now go on without him.
For myself, he shall eternally remain “alive,”
astride in my soul,
his courage staring down his final days an inspiration,
his thunderous bark
evermore to resonate within the
small domain I was privileged to share with him.
He was uniquely handsome in appearance,
a stalwart example of outstanding caninesmanship,
and life without him shall leave a perdurable hole
that can only be filled with tears.
Ours was a bond forged on the trails of life,
cold and foggy, wind blown and sun beaten
as we traveled parallel trajectories
to our ultimate destinations.
May God grant my wish that he awaits me,
wherever that may be, fresh and rejuvenated,
smiling in his own inimitable fashion,
teeth waiting to gnaw the leash we shall
never need,
for tomorrow’s trails will surely be un-tethered.
His spot at the window is vacant now
our domain’s intruders
once again walk in shadows undetected
after many years of unswerving surveillance.
His vigilant eyes now scan new perspectives
and I shall join him one day,
personal agonies of the past alleviated,
if the embracing winds of good fortune
lift me in their gracious embrace
and carry me aloft to once again have him at my side.
I love you old friend,
my dog, Butch.