Every morning that door is in my view;
The iron gate rusted but reminiscent of glory days.
I prefer to walk the other direction,
Past 1214 with its smiling cement lions, welcoming, whimsical
I smile back in spite of myself.
But no, mornings would not be for that.
It was to the park and green lawns beckoning a run, the toss of a ball.
Maybe if one were lucky, a friendly neighbor with treats to share.
Five years going round back, past that locked door.
Habits linger until today.
Time to sweep and put the dog bowl in the trash.
This post inspired by and photo prompt provided by: Friday Fictioneers at Rochellewisoff.com.
Clare Graith 
I can feel the sadness in your story. Nicely done
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Thank you so much Vartika!
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A sad story of loss, but I like the optimistic ending where the bereaved dog-owner finds the strength to move on.
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Thanks! It does take strength to move on, but time has a way of pushing us toward that decision.
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There’s a lovely gentle but sad feeling in this. I like the phrase ‘reminiscent of glory days’. Nice.
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Thank you Margaret!
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Oh dear. Such a life. Well done.
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Thanks Bill, appreciate the comment.
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I felt the sadness hinted at along the way to the last line. Very well done!
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Many thanks Brenda!
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Your vivid description had me scouring the picture to see if I missed the address or the lions. I did miss the dog bowl. Those things left behind can be hard to get rid of like somehow they’re a link to those who are gone. Well done.
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Thank you! I would like to see smiling lions myself, but they are purely fiction.
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Oy, so sad. Well penned, though!
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Thank you Na’ama!
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A lovely feeling of lost memoirs in the story, perhaps a new companion is the answer.
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The dog bowl looks abandoned like the home… Who will put it in the trash?
“Old habits die hard.” I agree we keep doing the same things.
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I saw the door as well kept, just the exit abandoned…a back door that the occupant could not bear to deal with since her pet died.
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Funny how much we take things and places and people for granted until they are suddenly gone. Good atmosphere.
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Thanks Iain!
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There’s a lot of terrible things hinted at in this
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Now I’m scared…terrible things were not planned.
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