Watching this video prompted me to share it, and to write an in memoriam about my best friend.
For Jill – My Friend
I had a friend. Her name was Jill. She joined my life. When times were ill. Those many years ago.
For I remember. Through the veil of Time. The day I cried. To hear she’d died.
Far away I was. In a foreign land. As I held the letter. In a trembling hand.
She had been my staff. When life was rough. Her jumping joy. More than enough.
And I remembered. The places that we’d go. Across the street. And over the gate.
Through the field of steers. Past the corner tree. Up which I’d ontime climbed.
To seek safety from that. Bellowing herd. But now they were the ones. To run away.
And we’d make it. To the river.
…
Upon its sandy bank. I’d quickly remove. Those hated school shoes. And then the socks.
She’d grab one. And maul it. As if she agreed. For she knew it was time. For me to throw rocks.
One day just for fun. I sent one spinning. Across the river. Bouncing once, and twice.
And then it sank. Into the deep.
But a water dog. She was born to be. She chased that rock. And then all I could see.
Was a tail above water. Wagging at me.
And then she surfaced. A rock in her teeth.
Joyfully came bounding. Back to me.
And dropped the rock. At my feet.
“Are you ready?” she asked. “Can we have a repeat?”
We did for while. Till I was the first. To tire.
I gathered twigs for tinder. And built a small fire.
After shaking herself. As dogs will do.
Regardless how close. Might be me. Or you.
Once dried she’d curl up. And sit by my side.
Never asking why.
I wasn’t at school.
…
I put the letter down. Dried my eyes. And said a prayer.
Reached out and stroked. The shadow that appeared.
From the ethers she looked.
Into my heart.
Into my soul.
I wiped away the tears.
And thanked her.
For those days.
Those days of love.
Long gone.
This Book Should have been Titled “Adventures” of a Misfit.
It’s about the adventures and misadventures on may way to becoming a reporter.
I have also updated the cover for this illustration.
Leave a Reply