In the night,

when I sometimes wake,

it happens again and again.

That feeling, that you, beloved friend,

have stood over me all night,

Keeping watch,

That feeling, when I walk outside,

that you, good friend,

are standing by,

Keeping watch,

That feeling, when the sun begins to set,

and the world quiets,

that you are listening,

Keeping watch,

a holy lamp,

that warms my heart,

and lights my path,

and paints my soul

with love and joy.

(Third in a series, “The Dog Love Poems.”). By me.