This Other Kind of Love

I find it hard to tell you of the love I felt for them: The gentle little creatures that I came to call my friends. They joined me at a time of life when human touch grew sparse. When memories of some folks I'd loved were best left in the past. A time with children leaving home to spread their wings and fly, While I remained upon the ground to wave a fond goodbye. I felt the good Lord knew I'd need someone to love just then; One for laughter, one for joy and both to be my friend. As shadows of the day crept in and home meant only me; Two faces framed in window pane were what each night I’d see. Returning to a quiet house to find them there alone, Lit up the pathway to my heart and made my house my home. The daily walks, the food, the care, the petting, and the play: Led me from my former life, to a life I have today. Their the first things that were tended when I woke up each new morn And the last face that was seen by me until a brand new dawn. I'm not ashamed to tell the truth; they slept upon my bed. Snuggled up against my side while I clung to the edge. And when I felt just out of sorts, as happened frequently. Concern was in their caring eyes, kind head upon each knee. Yes; I have known all kinds of love, but this one's not the least. Some brought laughter, some brought joy, but this love brought me peace. And on each day they went away, per orders from above; I thanked the Lord for sending me, 'This Other Kind Of Love'.