For Danny Boy

He was salvaged in a mill raid -
The worst we've had around.

God bless the brave and fearless arms
That swept him off that ground.

And bless the one who nursed him,
Through weeks of touch and go,

Hers were the first kind, gentle hands
He'd ever got to know.

A loving family took him then,
But he couldn't pass that test.

They decided just to send him back
'Cause he was too "depressed".

He didn't know how to be "happy" -
Such confusion filled his head.

He was still just so amazed at being
Warm and dry and fed.

A year's gone by, the worst is past -
Danny's come to share my place.

He's such a pretty, pretty boy,
But, oh, that sad, sad face.

Lately I've caught him watching me.
What is he thinking of ?

The beatings or finding snow to drink,
Or just that cold grey sky above ?

I'd like to think there IS a Bridge
Where they play and feel no fear,

But all I really know for sure
Is what we've got right here.

So we tossed the clocks and calendars,
The schedules and training books.

Even passed like strangers in the hall,
Trying not to exchange looks.

I don't believe he'll always feel
He'd better run and hide.

But Danny can set his own pace now,
Cause time is on his side.

He still will hide in corners,
Or jump at sudden noise.

But only just this week he learned
That he could play with toys.

One day when I got home from work
He danced around the door.

Though when I bent to touch him,
He fled just like before.

In his mind's eye he was back again,
Where the world was a cruel place,

And hands that reached out meant to hurt.
So we move at Danny's pace.

Last night he jumped up on my bed
After the lights went dim,

And slept a few feet from me till
The sun came up again.

He gives me peeks into his heart,
Without play-bows or licks.

He knows I don't need him to prove
That I can teach dogs tricks.

A day, a week, another year?
(Or three or five or ten !)

I do not care how long it takes
Till Danny feels safe again.

I cannot help what came before,
Nor force a future bright.

But Danny Boy is here to stay.
I love you, son - Good night !


Shannon McClure

Addie's Safehouse