To My Dearest Betsey

My Dearest Betsey, you know who you are, 

The apple of my eye, my moon and my stars.  

I’ve known you a long time, a decade at least, 

Since I met you at the shelter, where I tamed the beast. 

Now the years have passed us by, and to me they’ve been kind.

But they’ve taken your strength, and they’ve taken your sight. 

Nevertheless, you’re still the apple of my eye. 

The cutest I know, and the sweetest, too. 

The greatest gift I’ve received was adopting you.