Love you, Nan.

Virginia R. Toone
(February 15, 1908 - February 1, 2007)

the dog and I
walked a familiar path
today
she discovering
unfamiliar scents
and I thinking
of someone I had lost

a day for poetry
or metaphor
the wind blowing
in a February way
chilling skin to ice
it would be warmer
under the earth

a phrase
a wise man says
to me
"be mindful of the wants of others"
is in my thoughts
but I am not certain
I agree
for I would want
her still to be alive

perhaps we should
amend the phrase
to read
"be mindful of the needs of others"
this seems more fair
for my wants will not
come true

my need
is to keep her
with me
if not in body
at least in thought

but what I find
(this fallen tree
its tangled thatch)
prevents our trail

and we discover
without passing feet
to wear away the leaves
each year

a path
so long familiar
fades