My First Best Friend

That little girl

Who screamed into pillows

Who wrestled with her sobs

Whose smile lit up when someone said hi

Only to be extinguished when they passed by

That little girl who was saved by the dog next door

Who savored every day with her

Who laughed and played

Jumped logs and caught frogs in the stream

Who would go out in rain, snow, and shine

With that dog

Who never insulted her

Never hurt her

Never deserted her

Who was there when she cried

Who was the reason she laughed

No, that beloved dog never deserted her

She deserted it

Years of giggles under the covers

Playing elves in the woods

Mud pies by the stream

Dress up in the closet

All those precious years

Stolen away

By a move

Now she is alone

That dog is a mere memory

But she will never forget

I will never forget

My first best friend