Hospice
maybe a day in deep winter
the snow drifting
against the trees and
you think how lovely
but underneath
something's dying?
or a rainy night in spring
driving on a road scattered with frogs
that first you think are stones?
or how about a perfect June evening
the songbirds a myriad of tiny flutes
while on your bed your cat stretches awake?
or maybe in the grim part of autumn
the knowing not for long
For Lady, a Collie
The day before you died
I lay on the floor with you
We were almost nose to nose
though I held my head back
so I could see you better
You were luminous in the sunlight
I stroked the sides of your face over
and over like careful polishing
my fingers soft from the touch
All qualities transferred
you would have made an elegant woman
with fine features and beautiful hair
smart, sweet eyes
When I withdrew my hand
you reached out to touch it back
and I ran my fingers over your ribs, your spine
shallow bones, a warm sculpture
Turn me to stone, you said
Turn me to stone
11
favs |
936 views
17 comments |
165 words
All rights reserved. |
For Buster and Lady.
"For Lady, a Collie" was published in flashquake around 2003.
This story has no tags.
*
wow!
Touching and powerful poems!
Sad and lovely work.
Lovely, tender, sad-evoking: fine pieces both.
Beautiful poems. Gentle and sad.
The last lines of "For Lady, a Collie" are superb. *
"Turn me to stone" melted my heart.
Too irresponsible for pets myself, good reminders here of what "pet care" entails.
Thank you all for your generous comments.
Beautiful. "A warm sculpture."
"a rainy night in spring
driving on a road scattered with frogs
that first you think are stones?"
Having lost mine on November 1st this goes deep. These are beautiful elegant elegies Dianne.
Thank you for the lovely comments.
"For Lady, a Collie" is a beautiful and moving poem.
These are my favorite lines:
you would have made an elegant woman
with fine features and beautiful hair
smart, sweet eyes
These are both fine, but I Love "For Lady..." It really lifted my heart.
Thank you all! Much appreciated. Dog lovers rule!
Fine writing, Dianne. Loved them both. Turn me to stone - love this line.
Thank you Foster. Much appreciated!