Just a pensioner not rich worked all his life
paid his taxes owed nothing
entitled to no benefits a proud honest man
at last got his small bungalow
now retired family had grown fled the nest
had until recently felt blessed!
Thought himself just one member of society
saved and earned every penny
pleased that day he had got his dream home
no frills but was their dream
sadly he would be moving in this place alone
missed her the only love he had known!
Sorry his wife had gone they were never parted
now could not physically share
yet knew her spirit would always be very near
their pet dog they both loved
would be close by his side the day he entered
for a simple life his hopes centered!
His two children helped him safely get settled in
but lived some distance away
though not the same was still a contented man
country views no neighbours to close
eased himself into a routine and restful lifestyle
certain he would live here for some while!
For months was good walking with his best friend
trips to the nearby picturesque village
soon winter was approaching began to stay in more
unaware of strangers observing
on a cold night snow falling upon sodden ground
the dog heard an unfamiliar sound!
Jim had fallen asleep under his duvet oh so warm
barked at the bedroom door
too late the hooded burglars were already inside
burst in to the darkened room
in the intruders muscular leg tiny teeth did sink
then Jim hit before could wake and blink!
In minutes the dog lay unconscious by his master
as the bungalow was ransacked
without thought or any respect his home violated
thinking he must have wealth hidden
pissed off stole his precious ten-year old motor car
found burnt out nearby a bloody iron bar!
The perpetrators long gone to find another victim
when dad never made a call
to his daughter as usual on the Thursday evening
called the police and headed there
only to be told he was critically ill in intensive care
the children gathered their grief to share!
Jim never woke up he succumbed to the assault
now resting with his beloved wife
his loyal mate Tinker who had stayed by his side
recovered who often sat by the grave
missed his kind voice for him would always grieve
and the sticks he threw for him to retrieve!
Eventually the thugs were apprehended and jailed
but not before others were hurt
sentenced to twenty-five years in a secure facility
to the victims it was a kind of justice
small comfort for the dad and granddad they had lost
the memories and his suffering too high a cost!
TheFoureyedPoet.
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