Together Under the Willow

The old dog’s out under the willow tree
They said.
The two women led me there.
I knelt down to stroke his fur.
I supposed he knew why I was there.
Turning to ask the women a question
but
they were gone.
I was scared.
How could I go ahead and inject the drug
that would end the pain
forever
by myself.
I wanted the women back
To help me do this.
Help me hold the dog
so I could do the deed.

Turning back to the dog
I was startled to see that
He was holding out his leg to me.
The eyes said I’m ready just do it.
Applying the tourniquet, I found the vein easily.
Viscous pink fluid squeezed in.
The eyes closed and
body relaxed after so much pain.

Together under the willow for a while
A breeze fluffed up from somewhere.
Tickling it’s way through his fur,
the branches,
and my hair.

Me and the tree and the dog
were all connected at that moment,
swirling.
I knew where the breeze had come from.
Life was different for me after that.

Fun with the Reptiles

I went down to the Orton Fest this afternoon to see Mr Ether play his bass in the Reptile Palace Orchestra. What I like about this group is that they are...............odd. And, they are excellent musicians who are a rock-klezmer fusion band. At least that's what I call 'em. They play great music and have a wildly entertaining stage presence. In fact, they introduced me to klezmer music. I need mention that I grew up Methodist and we had the traditional English and German hymns. Yawn. My grandmother died of boredom singing one of these hymns at her nursing home. Really.

Anyway, Duke Ellington (that's my Standard Poodle) and I arrived a bit late for the start of the set. We sat down for a rest. After a bit, we spotted Mrs Ether doing handwork with some friends. We went over and did some yacking. I saw lots of other friends. The sun was out for the first time in a week or so. I had planned to stay just for the Reptiles and then go home. I enjoyed their set. The band seemed more energetic than in recent memory. So we talked about Mrs Ether's plan of an alternative music festival in an east side park. Other people came and went. Lots of conversation and laughs. That was fun.

After a bit, I went up towards the front to see some other friends. There was an auction going on. My friends were very involved in that. I felt like we were all watching TV. Conversation was pretty much stiffled by the auctioneers. I couldn't make a connection with these friends. Felt like the energy was gone. I felt some sadness about this. So, after a time, Duke and I left and walked home past about a million garage sales. I managed to make it home without buying a book. Impressive.