CURLY
Margaret Watkins

Come walk with me through shadowy wood,
Recall a time when life was full of promise. A small, red hound follows closely by,
Adventures in scent and sound
Delight his mind.
Both hunter and protector; he revels in his role.
But too soon life dims; the bridge is crossed.
The noble hound no longer follows.
His dust and spirit join the ancient forest.
We hear echoes of his voice in the whisper of the wind.
And loneliness prevails.

We hesitate to return where once we walked.
But with the advent of spring and a new red hound,
It's time once more to return to that favored trail.
Curly watches over and most certainly
Will direct and gently urge our return
To that much loved trail in the shadowy wood.