is what I envisioned. It started out well…. Afterward, several crumpled drafts of poem, I decided to let Loki tell it; I transcribed as best I could in human words.
Highlight of the Day
A morning walk of minutes may
become an hour a day a world blooming scents
in dead-dry midst of summer a world unfolding anew
forever till the 2-legged turns us backwards
dog still takes the lead by memory
millions of smells that map a world discovering –
as always tugging human along –
& today this morning verging the pond,
leash not letting dog immerse in mud tangling green
at water’s edge there be no dragons but
five white swans afloat, & farther,
behold wild turkey hen barring the path
so human turns back & dog must –
great wings beat hammer beak & slicing talons –
dog knows her duty to guard & protect
break free the leash drive dragon dashing & darting
deadfall thru thorns down gulley & woods
till dragon flees where the bravest dog cannot go –
unwinged but bearing new armor
ear-tips to tail sticktight proof of grit & valor
back to human still calling her name.
~ Kuskokwim Loki von Goeman, transcribed by Taylor Graham
