~ for Mom, August 5, 1935 – July 16, 2025

husband notices a small group sitting on the ground,

in a tight circle, in a corner of lawn

when we pull up to the Vet’s office,

for Coco’s yearly vaccinations.

the clang & rattle of wheels on pavement

makes a loud, disturbing noise

as a young woman in scrubs pushes a small gurney

across the parking lot. ~ of course.  it makes sense now.

a mournful family, saying their final goodbyes, sharing memories

of happier days, expressing, I’m sure, just how much

this canine loved one has meant to each of them and how much

they’ll miss his silly antics, that goofy grin, those sweet puppy eyes,

laughing about when Fido was one very naughty little boy, indeed.  

and I am struck by a shared camaraderie.  ~ my mother passed away

two days ago, & our own small group of family and friends, will soon

gather in a few days to offer up our own memories and affections,

shed our collective grief and commune as one body to celebrate her life. 

we’ll share funny stories & zany anecdotes of one who’s meant so much

to us, each in our own time and in our own unique and loving ways.