Gone, Unforgotten

Nothing transforms the face of
an elderly person so much as the
sight of a small dog in the loving
care of its devoted person, knowing
the little creature's distress at
separation, taking it along everywhere
to allay its fears and loneliness.
Faces which age and gravity have
set firmly into stern grimness
light with the pleasure of observing
bright eyes, floppy ears and a
curious, moist snout.  Forgotten,
the burden of elder concerns as their
eyes devour the small animal's
presence and from their suddenly
garrulous lips spills memories
of their own small, furred companions,
long gone, but unforgotten.