Though it’s called the Black Dog that is just a name

Why, how and when it bites is never quite the same

Except once you're afflicted it can hide close at hand

Impacting at times and in ways hard to understand

It’s tenacious, grabs hold and resists letting go

This relentless, consuming and sadly familiar foe

If I could control it for you, I would with due speed

Gently but firmly grab hold of that bloody dog’s lead

And take it so far from you that you would never again

Have to suffer the torment, the struggle and pain

Know I am here and that if you should need me at all

I’m ready, willing and able to answer the call

I’m your friend and that means you should not be alone

And have to, no longer fight the Black Dog on your own

John Mason 10/05/2020