Elegy For A Friend - Gail Onion

[Larry Robinson]

Elegy For A Friend

The old dog looked  out from behind
the sudden blizzard that had become her world.

She  had often approached me as if one of us
was a well and one of us was the bucket-
taking turns - Can I write that she filled me
with light? Now the storm raged around her
and soon she was lost beyond our sight
beyond our calling her back.
.
Her tail was a sail
Her nose pointed to a far shore.

I had taken for granted that
she would always be here when
nothing else ever is.

The rain is cold and gray
and the candle recognizes its
insignificance but bravely gives out
a little light, as I say my prayer
without words
in her language.	

	- Gail Onion