What She Left Us
Pick up the shredded papers, news in wads
the puppy would bat from door to hall.
So catlike in her mischief-chase, at odds
with what she might become – this time next fall,
a grown-up dog with manners like her peers,
our partners trained for service, the best friends
who slept beside the bed so many years –
family. How the unknown future bends
to meet us. Pup with eyes unsettling-bright,
soft-fuzzy ears half-raised to shepherd grace –
a photo yesterday by morning light.
She’s passed through into disappearing space.
And now we gather every briefest toy
from nooks alive with spirit of her joy.
~ Taylor Graham
