The Last Retrieve

Cold water with a mouth full of feather

Strong and ready despite the harshest weather

It’s tough to shake the joy of a first retrieve

Though, it be the last the makes us deeply believe

Dogs that learn, mature, and age

Are not afraid of their life’s final stage

Mine was no different and now I’m proud to say

Ol Chatter was a great one and still would be today

Looking back, I smile thinking of that dog

We used to hunt right here through rain, sleet, and fog

I once watched him swim nearly a mile

Chasing a mallard fleeing from the isle

Other times he would leap clear off the bow

Outswimming birds without sweat from his brow

Long legged and longer winded

No retrieve too far would ever be rescinded

Time will go by and hunts will drag on

Even young dogs know that the last will one day dawn

Those strong legs now limp and drag

But that happy tail still slowly wags

That wild pup who once couldn’t wait

Now sits so still understanding fate

One last retrieve to solidify your story

One last moment for the world to see your glory

A lone gadwall now circles the dekes

Your coat now quivering, but still ever so sleek

A shot rings out and a splash is heard

A crowd gathers near, but no one says a word

A gray and shaky foot steps down into the water

I hold my breath and watch your final loving offer

I thank my God for such a sweet and timeless blessing

I reach down to grab the bird and analyze its dressing

Gray like your whiskers and soft like your fur

It's a prize to be cherished of that I’m quite sure

Your stance was tall and confident was your chest

Though, much smaller now as it barely fills your vest

I miss Ol Chatter and think about him still

Our blind half empty a pup I wish would fill

Opie came along and made me once more believe

That brown eyes and and wagging tails never really leave

First retrieves still bring joy and gladness

But last retrieves mean more even through the sadness

All things must soon come to an end

I pray mine be as meaningful as my old pal and friend

I will still hunt ducks and watch my boys retrieve

Even if that means one day they must painfully leave

After all our hunts are through and they fade into the past

I will smile deeply knowing that we will always have the last