Sunday was an anniversary for me, seven years since I had to say goodbye to my dog, Tasha. She was my best friend for 14 years, and as is true for more dogs than you may realize, she was a poet. This is one of her poems.

DOG SONG

My song begins at sundown
when the twilight wind comes up.
A cold wind, brushing
my hair and my tail.

Butterfly light is shining.
Butterflies lift me at nightfall,
and nothing hurts me now.
Look, the light is brighter than …

See the little dogs come running!
See the bigger dogs come running!
See the kitties and dogs come together,
and all the animals singing.

Tasha
January 2004
based on a Pima Indian song