In Pacem

He lifted the small pup,

          tail wagging,

          tongue licking,

     to his lap;

 cooed in the floppy ear,

          “silly thing,

          hush now, ”

     calming words.

His wife’s voice was chirping

          in the background

          to the company.

     He smiled

          into the soft, brown eyes

               now settled in his lap.

After gazing silently

          around the room

          at children, grandchildren,

          spouse, and snoozing pug,

     he lowered his head,

               closed his eyes,

           hand resting on soft fur.

His breath eased,

           and gently drifted away.