Reaper

I pulled the powder blue blanket from my bed

To line the box on the kitchen floor

We used to jump and laugh and play

Our back yard like a jungle

My sister tried to dress him once

like a doll

And stroll down the side walk

He was so weak and helpless

No longer able to chew a shoe

Not like his former self

I prayed to GOD

Tiny belly

Skin soft and hot

The color of peanuts

Hanging from his bones

Big brown eyes seemed shallow

I would not sleep

I cried

How could I sleep

He knew all my secrets

But could hardly lift his head

Sounds from Viet Nam on the TV

Walter Cronkite drifting in from the living room

No! I can’t come out and play

I’m saying goodbye to my best friend