Evidence of Dogs

Sentiments from long ago, unleashed, hover around

Well-chewed but beloved toys, along with

Tear marks on their humans’ battered souls;

They are scattered but orbit what they know as Home.

Memories, sorrow, yes, but hope and love still abide.

Generations of dogs keep constant watch

Over the beloved owners who have grown old.

The grass is beginning to sprout on the well-traveled routes

From the door, up the hill, past the fishpond, around the pool.

The squirrels, possums, raccoons, feral cats, and armadillos

Still live in hysterical fear, believing that snapping shadows await.

There is dog hair in the house, ordaining everything like glitter, and

Scratching, scrabbling, and scampering marks abide on the wood floor.

When the cacophony of long-familiar barks crescendo in the night,

The stars and whirling earth acknowledge and pay tribute to

The awesomeness of unbreakable bonds that transcend time. 

Copyright 2023 by Sally Stratso