Good morning, Dear Ones! We are enjoying the return of warmer weather, and sunshine that draws us outside like a tractor beam. And — the delightful side benefit of so many of our neighbors outside as well, providing opportunities to meet lovely humans and even lovelier dogs. Today’s draft was inspired by one of those dogs.

“You can pet him if you want.

He loves pets.

He loves when the children pet him.”

I offer Cody my hand to sniff.

He stands, stiff-legged, grizzled head and half-closed eyes.

“He’s an old guy.

He had cataracts, and we had them taken out.

He used to be blind, but when those cataracts were gone . . .”

The man looks into the Spring-bright sky and whistles.

Cody lifts one paw and puts it down,

gently on the warmed concrete.

“Thank you for stopping to pet him.

He loves the attention.”

Cody stand still in the comfortable sunshine,

beloved guardian,

looking into a clear, short future,

a soft landing from his well-loved life.

More Poems!

Last night, I went to a poetry reading to celebrate With No Ground Beneath My Feet, a new album featuring poems by Ron Whitehead and Elizabeth Nelson. I invite you to check it out, and let the precious words surround you.

(The link is from Tidal Music, and the album is also available on most major streaming platforms.)