ghosts of dogs
i see
from across the yard,
at the end of the drive,
in deep gentle dreams
they come to
reminiscent calls;
King, Ranger, Jack, Boone,
Jesse, Andi, Yogi, Boo,
Kodi, Spike-
there are others
who run through vaguely
lucid fields woods creeks
bygone backyards—
they romp bound and play
swim and smile
as only dogs can smile;
inerrant
here and now
without vacillation
they lay by my side
cheerful warm affection
together for a few brief ethereal
glimpses called back
with happiness
that had once,
on some very sad days,
passed away.
* * *
JMcAT
Author’s note: this iteration significantly revised 11/12/23 from a poem first published on Substack 6/12/21
In memorium;
Kódí Bear,
Faithful, loyal, loving, and gone too soon.
July 28, 2012 - October 28, 2023