They will not go quietly,

the pets who’ve shared our lives.

In subtle ways they let us know

their spirit still survives.

Old habits still can make us think

we hear them at the door

Or step back when we drop

a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place

the food dish used to be,

And, sometimes, coming home at night,

we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends

and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our hearts

belongs to them…

and always will.