Jade

On an apple-dappled early fall day,

Clear, brisk, high skies, and wind that

Made the turning, just-harvested 

Cornfields magic in their windy dance,

We were driving with some serenity,

Arriving, she walked with Sarah, back

Towards the sunny apple orchards,

Tugging on

A leash worn never, really, except to

Visit this country vet or go to see family,

But the wind blew her ears back,

And the sun was on her face,

And, Sarah said, she was bursting 

Into the light, she knew that it was coming, just 

As I unhinged myself into the dread,

And went somewhere where I needed to go, 

And then the right arrived. 

Beautiful dog of the earth of this place,

You formed us here, near 

As long, you were,

As we are. 

Here, on this road, in this garden

This pond and rotting, rooting 

Piles of history, you will always live.

All breathing creatures cherish home

In their ways, not all, leaving, take it

With them. 

You are here, sweet girl. 

You are home. 

RIP Jade

2002-2018