An  Ode  to  Ruby

 

You came home a month old

To become part of our household

You remained someone very dear     

For all of us who were very near

 

Your mischief in your early years

Got us frowning and we wished to hold your ears

Getting up in the morning to see the flower beds dug up and soiled around

Only to find you in a corner realising your mischief and awaiting an angry command

 

Your walks were greeted by a 21 gun salute

From the  stray dogs who were otherwise mute

They barked, they scampered and they ran

At the sight of you walking down with a brown tan

 

Your childish  pranks  and I nfectious energy

Often pulled us out of lethargy

Your gloomy face when we retired for the night

Made up in the morning by a face that was very bright

 

You became very close

To the Children passing by our house

You were at the gate to greet them every day

And often got them wishing you back on their way

 

You were a constant presence in our garden

For us to leave our house open

You greeted us on our return with your wide expectant eyes

To see if we had brought you your dues

 

The sight of you curled with your head under the car

Or seeing you ready to get into the car

Whenever we opened the door

As if the car was truly yours

 

We will miss you wagging your tail

Which you did without fail

A sign of welcome without doubt

Every time we ventured out

 

We remember the morning we woke up to see a dead snake

Only to be reminded that we had a protector in our wake

Whether it was a cat or a mouse

You would never let anyone near the house

 

That fateful day when we bade you good bye in the morning

Little did we realize that you would not greet us in the evening

Even in your last hour of struggle, you made an attempt to stand

Trying your best to obey our command

 

For someone who was as cute as a baby

We fondly named you Ruby

We can still sense you come scampering

When we call out Ruby Ruby

 

You were our first pet and your memories will always abound

You were a joy for everyone around

We will miss you and your thoughts will remain with us

 

May you rest in peace

May you rest in  peace