ODE TO ROWDY

For three decades the words remained unspoken,
Of the day that a good man's heart was broken.

Rowdy was a pup from the Lone Star state,
Who protected our warriors from a sinister fate.

Rowdy was fearless, with a heart so pure,
Commissioned to defend and keep all secure.

To his handler 'Fish', he was a lucky charm,
Teaching him to survive, and stave off harm.

Rowdy was much more than man's best friend,
He was a tower of strength on whom Fish could depend.

Tragically, Rowdy would become another victim,
Of Uncle Sam's cold, insentient system.

As Fish's tour ended, he was filled with dread,
Faced with the knowledge of what lay ahead.

Rowdy could sense that his end was near,
But he accepted his destiny without fear.

It took a brave man to shovel the dirt,
Only God knew how badly he hurt.

The brave man loved his partner, he stayed by his side,
'Til he took his last breath, and a piece of the man died.

With soldiers' honors, Fish laid Rowdy to rest,
With the 'Red, White and Blue', draped across his chest.

Now Rowdy sits high at heaven's gate,
As he awaits his friend, his earthly soul mate.

©Copyright April 25, 2005 by Kimberly Sue Bayes

Author's Note: This poem is for a USAF K-9 Security Policemen who shared the story about having to put his dog down. The poem has brought a few tears but also happiness.