Ministry of Animals

today i took a walk

down a road I have not walked

since

I used to walk it with a friend

who can no longer walk

but still walks in my heart

so I took a walk

where we used to walk.

A four-legged friend came with me,

a friend of hers – a friend of mine. He was blue, missing you. I was too.

He took no notice of the cats on the porch.

He took no notice of the open door with the labrador.

and he did not even wish to swim.

Oh, i worry about him!  Overcome with grief, he sleep walks the world.

Oh, wait –

even in sadness, it pays to remain mindful.

It is i whom sleepwalk.

but it is ok – I have a good dog guarding my nap.