See You at the Bridge

The blanket's still folded on the back seat I haven't moved it yet Some things you leave exactly where they were The waiting room smelled like bleach and rain You shook so hard I held you through the blanket, plaid and thin The doctor spoke in a voice too kind And I signed my name like it wasn't the hardest line I'd ever sign You looked up once — not scared, just asking And I said, I'm here, I'm here, I'm in They say the kindest thing Can feel like breaking So I'll see you at the bridge, little friend Where the grass runs on and the running doesn't end Where the gray goes out of your muzzle in the sun And the limp is gone and the pain is done Save me a place where the river bends I'll see you at the bridge, little friend The last car ride, you put your head on my knee Like every ride we ever took, like you were comforting me Your tail still tried — one slow, brave beat Against the seat where you always rode I carried you in the way I carried you home The very first day, half the size, all heart, all bone They say it's mercy It still feels like breaking But I'll see you at the bridge, little friend Where the grass runs on and the running doesn't end Where the gray goes out of your muzzle in the sun And the limp is gone and the pain is done Save me a place where the river bends I'll see you at the bridge, little friend Years from now, when my own walk slows And somebody holds my hand the way I held your paw I hope I'm half as brave as you Trusting the one who loves you to carry you through And I'll see you at the bridge, little friend Where the grass runs on and the running doesn't end You'll hear my step before I clear the hill You always knew my footsteps — you know them still Bright fur, wild tail, the whole world mends I'll see you at the bridge, little friend You were there my whole walk home I was there at the end That mattered, little friend