Betty

She used to sleep tucked in a tiny ball
Used to listen when I sang her favorite song
Held her fingers so she'd wake with me
Get drunk and sink into the couch 'fore the TV

Couple years you couldn't go outside
Thought long as she was here then I would be just fine
Had a cough that made me nervous then
Thought it would pass by time the winter met its end

Doctor said it doesn't go away
Nothing left to do but hope and medicate
Held her fingers so she'd wake with me
Get drunk and stay awake for days
I'd watch her breathe

Got her ashes from the vet today
I can't look at them or find their proper place
She used to sleep tucked in a tiny ball
Used to listen when I sang her favorite song