For Ansel
There is a certain lilt
in the whole of things,
so demure
yet so threatening to
the letter and the law
it must subtle itself in life forms
and experiences
that take hold in the
unguarded spaces of the heart.
The lesson is to learn to see
what one did not see coming.
It is in the sway of the pine bough,
in the breath of the crow’s wings.
It is in the marimba tone of the cowbird’s throat
and the jasmine’s essence.
It is in the curtain of virga
and in the nuzzle of a cool nose.
It is in the bitter swell
of the chest when walking
without the dog one loved.
It is in the teardrop.
It is in what was meant to be and then not.
It is in the chance
that our existence is small,
while nothing and everything
teeters on it
after all.
What a beautiful and touching tribute for Ansel.
Ah, James. This says it all.
‘The unguarded spaces of the heart’ … that is where it all starts and stops. That is where love and Ansel live on.
So lovely James…..
Very moving piece. I did not comment on your original post about Ansel’s death as I didn’t want to mouth platitudes about unspeakable grief. I have lost several beloved dogs and know that pain well. Thanks.
Tom
Sorry for your loss… hard stuff.