First, a quiet friend, dark glossy coat

hanging around me, peacefully

Grows wilder, lays by me rested

Gazing we lie in mournful wake

I stroke its dark and bristly hair

It grows under my care

Follows me everywhere

A loyal friend.

Soon overlooked by daily haste

Untamed, unkempt, rejected

It grows fierce and growls

Paces the floor, I lie awake

Our hearts race

The growing shadow of hairy beast

Takes a swipe, deflected

It claws and prowls, surrounds my all

Steals prized possessions

Forces me back, there’s worse in stall

Let it end – save it takes my all

Grief untended.