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Remembering our first family pet.

Little Duke's Good-Bye

by HarryT

Story Poem Contest Winner 

Mom called us from our play that warm summer day to wash and get ready for dinner. As we sat at our places, Little Duke came to each of us - his once shiny black coat now grey as dingy smoke.   Duke looked up, cocked his head; we automatically knew he wanted his usual tucks under his chin and pats on his head before going to his bowl and enjoying his dinner, then falling asleep on his blanket bed.   On his last June evening, he shuffled to Dom and then me, to Mom and even to Dad who never paid him attention, however, this night for some reason Dad gave in and gave him chin tuck and a gentle pat on the head.   Duke then ambled to his blanket bed Came the morning he lay cold and dead We never guessed our family dog was performing his own epilogue.   My brother and I wrapped him in his blanket Carried him into the backyard, buried him near the weeping willow tree, where he liked to lie next to us while we read   Nailed a cross with wood from the garage placed it at the front of his grave, gathered blooming lilacs, made a flower montage   The cross now gone, the flowers blown away yet, when I visit my parents still in the house I walk under that weeping willow, remember                   Little Duke -                   a good dog,                   a fun dog                   a boy’s loyal friend.

Writing Prompt Write a poem of any type and any length that tells a story.

Story Poem Contest Winner