the woman who no longer
had a dog
sat inconspicuously on the stairs
of her own home
waiting for something that
happened a long time ago
whispering and moving
not knowing she was alone
somewhere down the street
a lonesome dog did bark
and cut through the trees
a sorrowful wind did wail
wondering
can a life be full
without sorrows
a long life so rich and loving
is now a heartbreaking tale
she is the goddess of twilight
the dusk is in sight
and it will not be late
feelings of impossible love and
wishing my hands were strong
enough to change her fate
how are you she asks
though she doesn\'t know your name
you tell her all about your life
and what\'s most important to you
how are you she asks , again
and again
she\'ll tell you all about her day
going to church lighting
candles saying a prayer
shopping with her Mom
getting ready to make dinner
not knowing she has never once
left her wheelchair
I look at her and
without a doubt I see
the courage she still carries
in a conspiracy of silence
in the raindrops that
now drip from the cherries
her eyes they are as
keen as they ever were
is your Mother still
alive she asks
I smile and say yes
and that I love her