...

saw an old man sit
in his chair by the door
a dog lies beside him
curled up on the floor

ever since that day
the man lost his wife
that dog had, to him
been the whole of his life

a constant companion
through those long days
he'd sit in the sun
enjoying its rays

seemed like for hours
the old man had dozed
faint smile on his face
and eyes tightly closed

the dog licks his hand
and emits a faint whine
looks up at his face
as if for a sign

the man doesn't move
just continues to smile
so dog lays back down
on the floor for a while

dog gets its ball
lays it down at his feet
the man takes no notice
stays still in his seat

dog nudges the ball
as if he were saying
what's wrong with you
why aren't you playing

then, in acceptance
the dog quietly sighs
looks up one last time
with adoring eyes

the dog keeps his vigil
through the night 'til next day
ever since, that sad morning
when the man passed away

...