So scared tonight, he made me feel as helpless
As I am. He’s looking at me as I write, 
Cataracts on his eyes, panting. No disguise.
The fear he feels at the strangeness of the universe,
The inexplicability of life: the thunder.
But he knows I love him and he takes heart
As I tempt him into a cave under my desk
And Yes! He has finally settled down –
At least a bit – panting still but now no longer
Muscled for attack. He’s quiet. I have him back.
But now he's gone from me.
And all I have are his ashes
and my loving memories of him.

(1) Gregory Alan Isakov covers "The Trapeze Swinger" - YouTube