pets
Animals throughout the world
Are a gift to the human race
How lucky that a few end up
Alongside us in our space
Does not matter, money spent
Won't guarantee a happy pet
Tending to the furry friend
With kindness is the only bet
Our pets are often better
Than some humans that we face
Gift unconditional love
Coupled with loyalty and grace
Pets teach children to be kind
Simply by being here or there
Kids are quick to understand
They deserve compassion and care
Pets don't judge our shortcomings
They have no malice with intent
In essence, they are perfect
A friend to one’s heart’s content
Sure they may make the odd mess
Wreck a sandal, shed some fur
Wake us when we want to sleep
With a bark or a loud purr
But since they can be playful
Those annoyances wash away
As is the case with children
They're not meant only to obey
Households pets around the globe
Have meant so much to some people
With all the recent lockdowns
They saved lives in place of steeples
They are marvelous creatures
Can even sense when something's up
Cute, four-legged therapists
Earnestly help refill our cups
And then one day they leave us
Rainbow bridge is theirs to cross
The sorrow felt inside the home
That of a family member loss
Pets live with us forever
In our hearts is where they stay
Just as with humans that we adore
They're with us for forever and a day