I was lying across my bed, sleeping,
sunlight streaming into my room;
something caused me to start weeping;
a strange sound diminished my gloom.
Clearly, came the sound of a barking dog;
it was emanating from outside;
though I understand, my mind was a fog;
my memory of truth did confide.
The bark was the voice of my precious Red;
a tall reddish brown Chow.
He was clearly demanding that he be fed;
but why was he barking loud now?
His bark was ferocious; most people he’d scare;
but a gentle giant sweetheart, inside;
just looking, you’d think that he didn’t care;
but if you came too close he would hide.
He once carried a paper plate of food;
off to another dog, next door;
loving and sweet, no matter his mood;
he was gentle and kind to the core.
So why was this giant dog of civility;
demanding my full attention.
He actually exhibited his nobility;
for he was barking from another dimension.
For as I became more fully awakened;
I realized he had died years ago;
I knew for certain I’d been mistaken;
he had returned to help me to grow.
He knew I was grieving and feeling such sorrow,
in the only way he could speak, he remarked;
for he wanted me, to seek a better tomorrow;
and so he could tell me, he barked.