There was once a man
who longed for heaven.
He did not picture it
as clouds
or endless halls,
but as a journey
through glorious landscapes—

lakes shining like lanterns,
mountains rising like testimony.

In his vision,
he rode upon a horse,
strong and steady.
Upon the saddle
before him sat Sasha,
the cat who had shared
his earthly days.

Beside them trotted Samson,
the faithful dog
whose devotion
never wavered.

Together they traveled,
companions without sin,
companions without barrier.

They rested upon the ground,
and their communion was whole.
The man understood
their moods
and their joy
without words,
for in heaven
no speech was needed—
only presence,
only love.

And he saw
that heaven was not
the loss of companionship,
but its perfection.