Button, July 2011, Rattlesnake Mountain, New Hampshire

 Her Safety and Comfort

The greatest malady of life for 

which there is no remedy,

no hope of cure has taken that 

small creature from our side 

for whom, of late, we have devoted 

time and concern toward her 

safety care and comfort.

We buried our tearful faces

in her long silky hair for with

her go buried memories of

other days and years when she, 

with her long legs and graceful

carriage was fleeter than any

other; none could match her

exuberance and bold daring.

W recall now bringing her home,

tucked within a winter jacket,

lightweight and dependent,

quivering with apprehension

and curiosity.  Those times she

sped across a verdant landscape

toward us, launching herself

airborne into outstretched arms.

But also the lingering agony of

witnessing that bright life-spark

grow old, deaf, blind and sadly

forgetful.  So we carefully sought

to nurture our failing companion,

intent to keep her from harm, aware 

that despite our efforts her bodily

integrity could not remain intact.

Still, treasuring the kind

generosity of time, forgetful

of death's firm timetabled

imperative, our efforts though

not entirely in vain, were no

match for the resolute finality of 

the messenger none may ignore.