Jemima

Dog of our childhood,
you were proud and good.
Head rested softly
when our hearts hurt,
with pains you did not know.
You were quick and flew
across grass to retrieve (but never return)
a soccer ball, chewed to shreds.
You loved to corral, all creaturely things;
guinea pigs, squirrels, a mouse.
(Mostly) gentle, you didn't hurt-
when once you did you begged for
forgiveness, a penitent pup.
Earned by my tears, we loved you well,
our first dog, who every sibling knew. 

As I said goodbye, your head rested softly in my hand.
 Still a comfort, even in your own pain.
You believed yourself one of us, 
and so you became.