The House is So Quiet

When I wake up in the morning,
I automatically look over to see if you are in your bed.
But you're not there.
I get myself ready, then go downstairs to make coffee.
I call for you to go out, not even remembering that
You are gone.
The house is so quiet.

When I get home from work,
Reality smacks me in the face
When you aren't there to greet me with your whippy tail.
I subconsciously glance out onto the deck
To see if you are ready to come back inside.
But no one is waiting at the door.
The house is so quiet.

There's a chill in the air,
So I turn on the fire and look to see
If you are in your favorite seat in the house.
But it's empty.
You loved that fire.
I sit in your spot and cry.
The house is so quiet.

Daddy cleans up some toys in the playroom
And the squeak of the wheels of a car
Sends him sobbing.
Why?
Because it was the last thing you reacted to
Before you were gone.
The house is so quiet.

Night time is the hardest for the kids,
When the day is over
And they are lying in their beds.
That's when the tears come,
Because their friend, nurse, therapist, cuddle bug, and sister
Isn't there.
The house is so quiet.

There are a million things that make me think of you
Because you are everywhere in this house.
For six and a half years, we have loved you.
But it doesn't stop here.
A piece of our hearts was buried with you
And we will love you forever.
But the house is so quiet.