SONNET
Shamik Banerjee

They came as light into my darkened world,
Rekindling everything that once stood grey—
The need to wield my pen, so thoughts unfurled,
To be the lively man again who prayed.
Six years of oneness, then this sudden pause
That seems eternal; time’s reversed its course.
The kibble bowl’s exactly where it was
When Neeku left us. Life has lost its force.
Now there’s no hopping on the etagere
Or pawprints on the matting, though their noise
From gamboling still echoes in the air.
Two mortal friends gave all the love and joy
No man can give, but left this void within
And these immortal scratches on my skin.