Endangered Species

  Taking The Leap   There’s no use  falling in love with a dog, I tell myself. I may outlive him as I’ve outlived others.    Or he may outlive me  and what then? Who will care for him,  spoil him, as I do?   One of us is bound  to suffer in the end.   Yet I am selfish enough  to fall in love anyway, not knowing  what the future holds   or which of us  will grieve one day when only memories remain.   Isn’t that  what  all  love comes to in the end— grief and memories?   And isn’t it worth it, anyway? The Better End of the Bargain   In the winter of my days I watch my little dog playing, shredding a stuffed toy, savoring the squeak, as the toy surrenders its secrets.   He feels my gaze on him and comes to me,  grinning, all expectant. He can’t resist a belly rub a scratch behind the ears or, if he’s lucky, one of the treats  hidden in my pocket.   He views all life as po...

The Answer to Everything I used to think     I had the answer     to everything…   Or I could find      the answer     If I didn’t give up.   If I set goals,   worked harder   sacrificed—   wore myself out.   Now, I know better.    Life humbles you    as it always humbles    the young and untried.   I've heard folks say    love is the answer    to every problem—    and I agree.   But how does one love    bullies and liars,    diseases that devastate,    loved ones who leave you?   Does love banish misery,     make pain more bearable,     explain the unexplainable?   My heart says yes.   My tears say no.   Between the two    I swing in the wind— ...