dear puppy
who sleeps with her little nose
buried under a pillow
curled up in a tight little ball
dear dog
who wags her bum in my face
every time i
come through the door
dear ella
who thinks she rules the universe
who snorts and begs and then snorts again
and smells like the river where she runs
dear ella
my conscience and my heart
keep humanity safe today

horizon
looming, bold
catching reflections
of moments past
reaching towards
invisible stars and
constellations of ancient memories
comfortably seated at the table
of life
constant, regardless
irreverent beauty
discourse of the unknown
she awakens