(3) and Rest In Peace Chapo Sheppard

(My son and Chapo playing. RIP Chapo Sheppard, my son's first dog.)

(3)

I was responsible for a life

And I let it down

How foreboding...

To see my son's tears 

Crying because his dog "ran away"

Lamenting losing his first friend

A car helped him see his end

I walked into the middle of the street

I put my hand over his mouth

Praying that I'd feel the heat of his breath

I put my hand on his heart

Praying that I'd feel it beat

I hate that I had to lie to my son

I hid death from him 

What bothers me the most is how I let my son down

I was charged with ensuring that his best friend was healthy

From fleas to broken legs, I did my best

He stayed away from the front of cars

He was always home to greet us 

Tail wagging, yelping, and barking 

Jumping up and down 

Waiting for a pat on the head

Now he is dead

For a lapse in judgement

Sweet freedom from the leash 

Oh how I am loathing 

The day my son wants to be that free