The Phabulous
Borrowed Time Of
Elmer Phillip Santos Cruse
"He's old and sick, let's throw him out -
Its not like its a crime.
We never cared much for him and
He's just on Borrowed Time."
...............
There was no food in the junkyard.
He was wobbly on his feet.
He found a space to crawl into,
But not a bite to eat.
The days dragged by so slowly -
Though rain did fall to drink,
His Borrowed Time was running out.
He was just too weak to think.
But Angels come in all shapes,
And you never know just when.
His first one passed by in a car,
Then doubled back for him.
Suddenly they were everywhere,
Giving care he'd not forget.
Some who worked to tend him,
And some he never met.
But what they had in common was
Belief in heart and soul
That it can be the Borrowed Time
That makes the lifetime whole.
He must have noticed all the love
That showered him every day,
Cause the healing hands and prayers
Made him want to try and stay.
Then a special Angel fell in love
With his silly grin sublime -
"Come on, let's not waste any of
Our precious Borrowed Time !"
"You are Elmer Phillip Santos Cruse !"
She said with glowing pride.
And from that day until the end
She never left his side.
And what a life she gave him, too -
Found him the greatest Dad !
And then the strangest little bride
An old guy ever had !
She slathered him in sunscreen for
Their power walks each day.
He learned to ride a Harley,
Posed for a centerfold risque !
He even won a contest !
He was loved by all he knew.
His wardrobe - Oh! So debonair ! -
Was the envy of GQ !
He was a hero to all old dogs -
A source of hope and pride.
From junkyard dog to royalty,
He took it all in stride.
But it was on their quiet nights,
After a whirlwind day,
When she whispered how she loved him,
He knew why he'd fought to stay.
We'll never know how many folks,
Because of Philly's fame,
Went out and brought an old dog home
While Borrowed Time remained.
But Borrowed Time's just borrowed,
Fight it though we may,
And they both knew the time would come
When he must go away.
She didn't let him down, though,
When the dread day came to pass,
But gently helped him to the Bridge
And said good-bye at last.
I hope that now on quiet nights
He can whisper in her ear,
And remind her of their good times,
Or kiss away a tear.
"Mama, thank you for the memories -
I'll always have them, too !
And the part of life I treasure was
My Borrowed Time with you !"
© Shannon McClure March 12, 2000 |
