My
Belle Jana
Penny
MacPherson
From
the first time I stroked her,
Pawshake,
moist nose, sable silk
Held
me hostage with gentle
Kisses
and Regal Baring.
Through
stinging, blinding blizzards,
Through
damp, dreary, rainy days,
And
blistering Dogwood sun,
We walk through life together.
See
her rolling in the grass?
Hear
her paddling in the pond?
Feel
her nudge for a pet?
Touching
times I won’t forget.
She
snuggles close at bedtime.
Warm
tongue kisses tears away.
She
loves to catch grapes and balls.
She
cowers in thunderstorms.
I
stare as Dad carries her to the car
In a light blue flannel sheet.
The
needle is quick.
The
vet is kind.
Convulsions
stop—
Spirit
leaves—
Body
stiffens—
Unbandaged
Wound walks
Away….
***
Penny
MacPherson offers poetry workshops at Mary Giella Elementary
School in Spring Hill, Florida. Her work has appeared in such
publications as: Just Another Writing Magazine, Beginnings:
a Magazine for Emerging Writers,Access, Expressions, The Post
Star, Discovery: the John Milton Magazine, and Muscadine
Lines: a Southern Journal.
©
Penny MacPherson