Chimes ring contrasting to hammer against nail – whack! Homes get makeovers why not shine the dull? Owl keeps watch with golden eyes its presence reticent to surroundings Birds glide in now and then for a snack residual seed drifts to concrete Leaves flutter from gentle nudge of summer’s breeze Footsteps on hardwood walk several feet was their energy worth it? Clinking of glass on glass adds rhythm but not for cutting the rug Voices remain soundless where have all the people gone?
An unfamiliar word in her circle she didn’t wish for knowledge, but her circle was not so durable. For now, she was aware of the bitter emotions tailing it like a hungry stray, the hit to self-esteem the “did I say something?” Loneliness puffed up like a proud peacock. She held awareness in the palm of her hand pained to know such a two-syllable word.
The day finishes. I grab the dog bed and bone and fill the bowl with water.Drinks sparkle in crystal clear glasses. Dialogue begins over life, the joys and reasons for rising stress levels. Cracks in the concrete absorb emotions.On the patio, no thoughts are silenced.
When the sun dips behind tears and hope goes underground, all seems adrift – despair soars high above the clouds, obliterating any dreams hovering in their softness.
Waves of misery crash down. The burden feels too taxing to lug around for long, and yet, we choose to slog on – heavy in mind, body, and spirit.
But in that dark corner of hope, a dim light glistens in the shadows. Those ominous shapes transform into bright colors of optimism where hope unveils its abilities and the mindset slowly begins to shift.
Stepping inside Grandma’s house, their eyes zero in on the white candy dish, elegantly painted in pink and pale green flowers. Grandma gives them her approving nod, so their young hands lift the lid where inside they find magic – gumdrops in red, orange, yellow, green, purple, white, and pink. With each bite and new flavor bursting, they give her big smiles. The candy dish is only one way Grandma shows her love.
(Mom passed away in 2012, but this is one lovely memory of her and our children. My sisters and I can’t seem to find a photo of that candy dish, but I found the one above on the web – a close likeness.)
Another dog, that’s what I needed back then when our Black lab, Lucky Girl, on that gray November day Crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Then Mom, Doris to those who knew her well, gracefully entered her Eternal home a few months later. I honestly Felt empty inside – all enthusiasm drained, Grasping for unreachable acceptance through the tears. Handling the loss of our sweet furry family member Involved revisiting those memories of the love she gave Joyfully to her four adopted humans. Keeping emotions intact, yet missing Mom – her voice, Laughter, funny off-key singing, and mouth-watering cooking Made greeting each sunrise challenging. Naturally with active emotions, our family felt Overwhelmed. Dad was devastated, losing his Gal of sixty-seven Precious years that began in days of World War II. Mom was the Queen. Another memory was her unequivocal love for dogs. Riley was one of many canines she and Dad loved over the years. So, amid these painful losses came Copper, our lab. The Time was right, and I felt Mom’s otherworldly approval because Underneath Copper’s quirkiness lies his loyalty, cuddliness, and Vigilance in holding the guard dog role. He’ll be at our feet When we call him, shake a paw when he sees our hand. Xenial describes our friendly lab when anyone visits. Even at the not so Youthful age of ten, Copper carries an abundance of Zest for bounding through life, for loving his humans – reminding us that love carries on.
Lucky GirlPrecious, sleepy Lucky GirlMom & me Mom & Dad February 24, 1945Copper BoyRegal Copper Boy
