Merlin

Our first meeting was awkward and weird 

At the district veterinary hospital— 

Seeing you playing inside the Bolero, 

I was more excited to see you than my brother. 

Each time I came to your home, 

I looked forward to meeting and playing with you. 

I think you were more excited than me— 

Lonely, perhaps, and waiting for someone like me. 

I felt sad when you couldn’t play during your estrus cycle, 

And I was shattered when they said you had kidney stones. 

The last time I met you, 

You looked so tired—aged, and weary. 

My heart broke the day I heard you were no more. 

It’s been a long time, and no one’s replaced you. 

You were my first love, 

The one I always wished for but couldn’t keep. 

Maybe that’s why I see you in my neighbour’s pet— 

And sneak onto the terrace each evening, 

Just to watch them play the way we used to. 

Maybe that’s because I still miss you.