The Lily Pond

(For my father) It was ahead. The tight path lead there, tangled with arms and boughs, leaves and veins. He heard the dogs yapping, swirling, exhorting- The Brittany, he ran with as a child when his father hunted. The Cocker Spaniel, with him on teenage nighttime missions. The Setter, waiting for him to come back from Korea. The Lab, his confidant as a newlywed. At its edge he stood. There was no sound now just still air and smooth black water. The dogs were off, again. Quiet. Where shall I leave my shoes? he thought. I will leave them, here for you. A far bark. Another. A nothing.