Shadows

Evenings are best for shadows Stretching from the field To the horse fence. I’m tempted to join them For the walk Now that the evening wind has died. But I’m not walking tonight. Tomorrow perhaps. With Heath, my oldest dog. We’ll both wobble through wet grass Like the two old men That we are. Both with a mixture of pain and joy But only me With the knowledge of old age. It would be better to be like him Aware only of the moment Crossing the fields towards the still sunlight trees.

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Gary Radice

Date: 6/4/2022 11:02:00 PM

There's a poignancy that runs through this lovely poem and yet there is so much warmth too. Its all so very visual. Cheers - Gary

Richard Jordan
Date: 6/5/2022 4:49:00 PM

Thanks, Gary for the kind comments and the visit. I was moved by your poem about the "dog on the beach". We had a place on Cape Cod for a few years and Heath shared similar experience's- all tucked away in both of our memories.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/4/2022 6:09:00 PM

Young people seem to think we lose our memories and wisdom as we age. They will one day find out it is only changes in our bodies that keep us from being 25 forever. I am thankful we have photographs to prove it. I always tell my granddaughter that only my body is growing old. You express this so wonderfully in your poem Richard. I do think some dogs know they are aging. My daughters white malamute husky who is 14 knows his limits now and waits for help to get up to high places. i loved this! Blessings

Richard Jordan
Date: 6/5/2022 4:53:00 PM

Thanks Connie for the kind comments. Heath is now 16 and has lots of issues, but he still runs back in bounds from the back yard so it's not time yet!