1.
The burglars kicked in the sidedoor
and invaded our kitchen
stealing 22 years of safety
and a cheap TV.
2.
We painted that kitchen
in a project which
began with stripping ugly wallpaper and ended
with a pretty security door a week too late.
3.
Thieves ransacked the dresser
she bought from her landlady in Virginia,
the top strewn with a lifetime’s sentimental baubles
pawed through by worthless thugs.
4.
In the garage,
a thief spread the contents of the glovebox
over the seats,
as if taking inventory before a long trip.
5.
Back at their hideout,
the burglars exclaimed,
“Man, those people had nothin’ worth stealing.
We were robbed.”
9/16/2009
The day finally comes
when you have to lift your dog
down from the truck.
It doesn’t matter that for years
he has cleared that distance
in a bound.
Or that he hates for you
to pick him up.
He stands at the tailgate
eying the distance;
does he think his leg
may give in again?
He waits a long time
as if just surveying the scene —
not asking for help,
just enduring it.
With a dignity
That makes you cry. mjh
7/17/06
(Written 3 years before Lucky Dog died.)
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10/26/2004
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