rockgem

Within me a heavy exhaustion, Unhelpfully blunt comments in antiseptic scented halls, Time crawling in rooms littered with months-out-of-date magazines A crossword puzzle half done, an abandoned sudoku. One weight lifted another burden gained. "Well at least you know ..." Children's laughter becomes mourning. What never will be.

My coffee goes cold. I don't remember tasting it The antiseptic smell of the vet office stuck in my nostrils and the waiting room of pet and owner eyes- Their appointments now running a little late. 'A house is not a home without a dog.' -so it's just a house now. 'If you want the best seat in the house, move the dog.' -but it's an empty chair, Pawprints across my heart. I stare at a collar worn for near eighteen years - Your paws crossed the rainbow bridge.

A tumultuous downpour washing forty-three years from my skin as I begin a forty-forth. Emotionally cleansing, exhaustion flows away with the rivulets gutter-wards, The waltz of Autumn leaves inviting me to their ball ''Play a while...'' Trace our labyrinth veins and the fine lines of our skin that echo yours- But this is not my party, Clouds roll. Nature still reaches for me - In the branches that catch in my hair, Among the dew soaked grass studded with toadstools Wearing chlorophyl-stains and muddy spatters like warpaint. Late rose petals, dandelion seeds and wild birds scatter - "take me with you..." The replies whisper at the end of my imagination "... no, not just yet." In the tiny lives of Snails moved from rain slick paths to safer places, curious eyestalks wiggle- Generations of Spiders that thrive in dusty garden shed corners- Telling their multitude of babies about the strange giant who terrified them but reached in kindness- Rescuing drowning bees and