As Pathways Cross

by Larry Chamberlin   Feb 18, 2016


Rowdy glides through
the same dog-paths
as did Dragon before him.

This tiny, 16 pound
toy Aussie
covers the same ground
as 60 pound Golden.

He marks the same trees
the same bench
the same scrubby brush,
finds the same wonderment.

More than two years have passed
since Dragon last proved,
as dogs do, his living presence;
is there any trace
of Dragon's marks on
these canine signposts?

Does this little boy dog
find any lingering essence
of his beloved predecessor?

The same Killdeer peep
piteously as though wounded
luring danger from their nest.

The familiar owl
mesmerizes
with her eternal
question of whooo

Trees still cast limb
moon-shadows
across the walk

But over all
- swallowing cries
of Killdeer and Owls
- permeating the park
- soaking into empty
darkened soccer fields
and deserted side lines,
over it all lies a pall
of serene silence.

Rest well old friend
in your secret last
home in this park;
Rowdy sniffs at
this sunken spot -
does he know?

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Latest Comments

  • 8 years ago

    by Spontaneity

    Well Larry, you made me sad reading this poem. I don't know how many times I have read this, but it is a masterpiece, in my heart. It really touched a sore spot with me, because I have been thinking about the same things in the past recently.

    In the past few years, my family has had to put to sleep the animals that we have had for years. It was a terrible time for me, because I would (and still do) look at the places that they used to lay, or walk and think about them. I was particularly fond of our cat, because she basically lived in my room for the past few years that she was alive. I was utterly heartbroken when she was put to sleep. Even writing this brings me close to tears, which is kind of embarrassing...I had to get another cat because I felt too lonely without her.

    Anyway, just wanted you to know that this is a beautiful dedication to the pet that you lost. The dog that we had to put to sleep was also a golden retriever. They are such loyal dogs. I will always miss him.

    You can tell that Dragon was loved.

    Beautiful

    ~S

    • 8 years ago

      by Larry Chamberlin

      Thank you for letting me know how my poem reached you. Yes, it is painful to go through life with a series of close friends whose life span is relatively short.

      I once did an informal survey: if you had $1 million and you had to put it in one of two research funds, would you rather spend it on research to make humans live longer or research to make pits live longer. The vast majority told me it would go for the pets.

  • 8 years ago

    by Dagmar Wilson

    Losing a pet is heartbreaking they are family. I also had a dog and when she passed I cried for a long time. I still miss her to this day. She was my best friend and so loyal. I know how you must feel. Rowdy was loved and he knows he is highly missed.

    • 8 years ago

      by Larry Chamberlin

      Thanks, Dagmar. Actually Dragon is the one who died. Rowdy is my "grand-dog" - my daughter's dog we are caring for.

  • 8 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    Larry,

    I had a black Lab growing up and we lost her when I was 16. I am fortunate that - at 34 - I am yet to suffer a close relation's passing so I can quite safely say that when she died it was, and still is, one of the saddest days of my life.
    Without patronising those who have never owned a dog, they just don't get it, do they? It really is a massive blow when we lose one.
    This poem has an eerie feel to it. We often walk past and around spots where loved ones have been, old pets have frequented and I often think on how life goes on even without them yet - to us - their presence is so strongly felt still. I bet to a dog's heightened senses, those presences are felt even more keenly, so yes, I bet Rowdy knows....

    All the very best Larry,
    Ben

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