Bruce pawed my missal
Scratched its cover
Maybe just wanting
To say his prayers
But I annoyed and angry
At this scratching
Told him off
Contrite he seemed to care
Now I look and see
A precious imprint
A relic of the dog
I loved so well
Sixty years and still
I feel affection
For a collie dog
So lovely I can’t tell
A letter from my mother
Know the writing
My father’s slippers
Nightgown keeps me warm
Simple things they touched
Bring that connection
Bruce’s paw
A dearest dearest charm
Brian Fahy
8 June 2021
Erris Poetry 