Prince on a Throne

Walking to the end of a deserted road
Out of reach of city lights
Coming across an intersecting street
At the corner
Stands a hidden, injured oak tree
Firmly planted all alone
Completely out of sight.

Just me and my dog
Trekking through untouched ground
Leaving behind murky tracks
With no clear trail to head on back
I dare not turn around.

Admiring this solitary, frozen oak tree
Enveloped by a five foot wall
Entangled by suffocating weeds
If it could talk,
Why not set it free from its disease?

Waging his tail in delight
Standing tall like royal Kings and Queens
He begins to lead the way
Smelling wildflowers in the garden
Sweet honey of a beehive
A skunk’s poisonous spray,
I quickly follow
Watching daisies bloom
Squirrels playing tag
Noticing the dark clouds,
It begins to rain but,
Something seems wrong
Desperately panting for breath
His wag comes to a hault
He slowly begins to lag.

Fighting this disease
Struggling to make it home
His legs begin to limp
Eyes start to weaken
His body fading like an infested tree.

Carefully calculating the number of breaths
Not knowing his very end
Just like the oak tree on the corner
Loyal, Courageous, and Strong
Continuing to wither away.

I carry him in my arms
To lay beside the motionless oak tree
Gently placing him on a pile of crisp leaves
To softly cushion his fragile body
Like a Prince
Seated high on a throne
Prestigious and Mighty
I would never leave a best friend.
Sitting.
Alone.