Star's third from last car ride

A ride?! She's genuinely surprised and excited,

eyes wide, thick tail wagging slowly, then suddenly

plaintive and anxious, remembering the feebleness

that's overtaken her and that belabors each step,

every breath. Yet trusting and eager, Star opens her heart

to one more ride, and, good sport she is, gladly lets me

lift and pose her gently in her usual spot, where

she immediately lies down, allowing gravity

to do most of the work.

Her withered elder's body fully lay against

the lower seat back. She half raises her head

with sheer hope, struggling with its weight.
Demurely, she turns her beautiful face

to the open window, her big soulful eyes

once again reflecting dear sky, soft clouds,

and tall roadside grasses, in radiant hues and

distinguishing sublime shades. She looks happy,

grateful, vulnerable.  She retains neither the strength

nor reflexes needed to counter well the car’s motions,

yet, leaning there, it's obvious she wouldn’t

trade places with anyone, for anything.

Further daring debilitation, and facing an instinctive

fear of being at the mercy of the laws of a world

that follow first strength and power, Star forces herself

up into a sitting position. Then, looking exactly the frail,

emaciated, and ill elder she's become, in weary exhilaration

she basks heartily in the thrilling sights, vigorous breezes,

and profound scents of the limestone cliff, the long lake

laying out below, the gray guardrail, the trees just on

its other side, the roadside flowers, the feelings, and memories

of pleasant and easier times, but never more pleasing

than this moment as we follow our familiar way home.

A tender moment of pure joy and purer heartbreak
crescendoing in union in the eyes of a friend

August 2004