For Tucker

The moment I looked in your eyes,

the very moment we met,

I sensed that we’d met before.

Surreal it was,

for I was taken back,

ten years ago,

to when our eyes met

as you took your last breath

upon a sterile, cold table.

You weren’t mine then,

and I didn’t know you,

or why you had come to die.

Yet you remained,

a vivid memory,

and for a decade

I was haunted

by your eyes.

I spoke to you tonight,

as I saw your sadness and fright.

I knew you listened,

and I knew you understood

every word, and every sentiment,

for you reached out

and squeezed my hand

with your paw,

forever to leave

another lasting impression.