I only popped round for a cup of tea

but you were no longer there.

I knew you were going soon,

but I had not thought to be prepared.

Even though we knew that day would come,

Still, I was surprised that you had gone,

Your dog had sat watching by your side

A trusting guard, puzzled by the lonely night.

But now, his duty half forgotten

he looked accusingly at me.

His dinner bowl lay empty

Filled to its brim with memory.

previous version

I only popped round for a cup of tea

but you were no longer there.

I knew you were going soon,

but I had not thought to be prepared.

I was quite surprised that you had gone,

though I always knew that day would come.

Your dog had sat watch by your side

 A hapless guard, puzzled by the lonely night.

But now, his duty half forgotten

he looked accusingly at me.

His dinner bowl lay empty

Filled to its brim with memory.