Dog Days
Nothing sturdy in the stem.
Nor of legacy in the one-season leaf.
All dogs must die, but not at once.
Like grass, let’s grow monuments
too numerous to be destroyed
in a single death. We’ll sit with this one
through the moments
we’ll not remember in a year
to remember we can build
what matters from pure light
recognize love same as we know
the texture of both sides
of this summer leaf waving
welcome and farewell
in the single breeze passing
from invisible past
to invisible future. All dogs
like summers will pass
but not before we live them
through. Let’s leap into
the coming stillness.
Let’s make the favorite meal.
Let’s sit with this one, no more
special than a blade of grass,
great as any dog or summer ever lost,
and let it last as long as it lasts
Translations from the English 
~~ Crying now, remembering the passing of far too many innocent furry companions ~~
They are big lives within our lives, aren’t they? Really members of the family, and to be honored as such.
Just had to say more — Immaculate Conception comes to mind to encapsulate this one.
I woke up in the middle of this summer night and my thoughts drifted by, like clouds. Some of those thought-clouds included you and your poetry, Jeff. Then I found this. I hope you and all the dogs and humans you love are well. Thank you.
Thanks Ann. If you can hold on and drift at the same time, that’s what we’re doing.
That’s what we all do, isn’t it? Thanks, Jeff.
“Margaret, are you grieving/over golden grove unleaving?” (I might have quoted that wrong). Beautiful poem you have written. It reminded me strongly if this one by Gerard Manley Hopkins.
Also, we are entering this phase with our dog now. So full of love and loss and innocence. You have pulled it together very well.
Hopkins is certainly welcome here, at times like this and at any time. Thanks, and live richly in those moments with your dog friend. We are trying to do the same here.
Dogs. What can I say? We’ve lost three to old age in the past five years. I mourn and celebrate them all!
That’s what to do. And hey Robert, I loved your poem “Ritual.” Showed up for me at just the right time. I have long favored the Kwakiutl take on things.
You must have summoned it, Jeff, as I’d not planned on posting “Ritual.” It just happened.