Thursday, January 25, 2018

Companions

Companions

Twice daily they pass by:
the scruffy-bearded man with a slouch hat,
and his little dog Fritz, 
who yaps at the stray cat.

Arthritis embers smolder
in both knees and one shoulder.
The old man's stiff walk
is a badge he wears,
for daring to grow older.

Fritz the dog, 
the man's closest friend for years,
wears a tiny, red coat
and a tiny, yarn hat 
with holes knitted in, 
to make room for his ears.

In all but the worst of weather,
they make their way down the street.
The man shuffles and lingers,
the dog stays close,
just to the right of the man's feet.

Each, without the other, would be alone:
the little dog with no one to toss him a bone;
the old man with no pet to settle in his lap.
Together, they retreat from the world,
to catch an afternoon nap.

Twice daily they pass by:
the scruffy-bearded man with a slouch hat,
and his little dog Fritz, 
who yaps at the stray cat.

17 comments:

  1. The visual was so strong on this one - ...love it!!

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  2. Connie, this is so sweet! I can just picture the old man and the dog in my mind; you've done a terrific job of describing them.

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  3. Oh Wow, this is so awesome. I can just see them pass by. Love your poems Connie.

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  4. Quite a lot of imagery in this poem, Connie, and it is so poignant as well.

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  5. Sweet! You paint a clear picture.

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  6. I can see them both hobbling along, immune to the weather. Best pals. Very good

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  7. "man's best friend" for sure!!!!!! I know a lot of elderly people (not me of course... ha) who live alone and have dogs or cats as their companions... Very special for them...

    Beautiful poem, Connie.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. What a fabulous poem, Connie! It tells of such a simple ordinary thing, but it makes us SEE the man and his dog, and what's more, to FEEL for them. Beautifully done.

    Have a super weekend!

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  9. oh dear this poem is PRECIOUS!!!

    what an amazing and lofty painting of two true beautiful friends

    companionship of them is making life easy and meaningful for them

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  10. A nice job of creating a picture in a poem for us

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  11. I really like that this comes full circle - same start as ending. Very meaningful. You've described a sweet partnership beautifully.
    Very nice, Connie.

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  12. Arthritis embers smolder...what a line! Your poem is poignant and demonstrates the bonds between the two.

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  13. Thought I'd pop back over and read this sweet poem again and wish you a Happy February

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  14. Anonymous2/04/2018

    Such a sweet poem, Connie. You are so talented. Hope you have a warm, cozy Sunday. (I am on blog break)

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  15. I love, love this poem. It makes me think of my elderly aunt and her scruffy little dog. No matter the weather they both take and afternoon walk! love your work!

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  16. Thank you all for your kind words!

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  17. Ha, this is almost me except I am woman and dog is Max. I love the line embers smolder. How you can turn a phrase my dear. You are adept at story telling. hugs, lj

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