Eternity

  for C.
 G.
 Macdonald, 1956-2006


Charlie, sunrise is a three-legged mongrel dog,

going deaf, already blind in one eye,

answering to the unlikely name, 'Lucky.
'


The sky, at gray-blue dawn, is a football field painted 

by smiling artists.
 Each artist has 3 arms, 3 hands, 3 legs.


One leg drags behind, leaving a trail, leaving a mark.



The future resembles a cloudy dream 

where the ghosts of all your life

try to tell you something, but what?


Noon is a plate of mashed potatoes and gravy.


Midnight is an ugly chipped plate

that you only use when you are alone.



Sunset is a wise cat who ignores you

even when you are offering food; her conception

of what life is, or isn't, far exceeds our own.



This moment is a desert at midnight,

the hunting moon is full, and owls 

fly through a cloudless sky.



The past is a winding, green river valley

deep between pine covered ridges;

what can you make of that?


Night is a secret plant growing inky black against the sky.


When this plant's life is over, then day returns 

like a drunken husband who stayed out until breakfast.



A smile is a quick glimpse at the pretty face of hope.


Hope's face is framed by the beautiful night sky.


Hope's face is framed by the gray-blue dawn.



This is your life, these seconds and years

are the music for your only dance.
 Charlie,

This is the eternity that you get to know.

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