This old dog, asleep at my feet,
one ear tuned to danger
should it come near,
her days are closing soon,
while mine, if all goes right,
will carry on a while after.

But no need to worry 
about either of us tonight.
The river keeps to it banks. 
The holly tree unfurls
new crowns of thorns.
And just for you, 
my forever friend, fat rabbits 
running through the silken dew.