Happy National Poetry Month

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.