Long time ago I had a dog
Part spaniel and part chow
She chased the mailman, nipped his heels-
The things you can't allow. I drove her to a country farm
And gave her to a boy;
There's nothing else that I could do.
She could not there annoy. Tied to a tree she strained her leash,
Her eyes were moist and sad.
I could not drive I could not see
Through tears, I felt so bad. Time eased my heart and guilt somewhat
She grew from just a pup.
The boy and dog became as one
And soon they both grew up! Tollage of the Soul Be quiet my troubled heart
and leave my mind at ease.
I must not let my tears and fears
run rampant as they please The years take tollage of the soul
for strength and courage wane.
The efforts spent through fleeting time
so often end in vain. The battle to the swift must go
to those who falter not,
who lift their chin and grit their teeth,
accepting life's sad lot!

Bess Huber

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/blackie/