Many years ago, after my dog Clara passed, I was walking a Louie, alone, in Laurelhurst Park for the first time. I was a one among many frequent walkers. Many passed us by, but several always – or at least often – stopped to talk.
One was a young woman with long, wavy hair. She had a peculiar stride, you know the one, where the walker seems to be leaning back. I have seen it in a few people in the course of my life and, whenever I see it, I am reminded of the other people with the same style.
This woman, whose name I no longer know, if I ever knew it, saw me with a single dog. You never really know how you (or your dogs) can become part of a stranger’s life. She seemed especially moved. I don’t recall that she had tears in her eyes, but I remember that she reached deep into the pockets of her coat and pulled out a small bundle.
“I hope this brings you peace,” was all she said.
I didn’t look at the bundle until I got home, but I was so moved by her gift, that I still have it.
Here is what each of the 2″x2″ cards says
- we’re all soulmates
- loving is just recognizing your spirit in another being
- there is another way to live
- keeping company with hummingbirds
- lose your shoes
- it’s all play
- I visit a tree in the park that was my mate a thousand years ago
It is not traditional poetry, in the traditional sense, but the gesture was poetic and still touches my heart, as good poetry does.
booksandbassets 