Dog Collars

Pain of loss isn’t always there.
Memories may come and go
when least expected.

Love punches you in the guts
and does not let go,
but is relived and also respected.

It comes again and again,
different dogs, still unexpected:
a sucker punch.

The pain is absorbed like a rain
that was sorely needed
to remind of the faith each dog brought.

Each made itself a part of your soul.
To have to put a dog down
was the very worst.

So, you hung all the collars in your truck,
a mix of both color and size,
all worse for wear.

Each collar hung up is the “last,”
death too vast a pain.
Then, go out and get a pup,
give it name.