DOG POEM

For Molly


Traversing the whirlwind,
Holding the gaze.
Remembering that broken spirit, the boot heels over the thin bones, 
the battered ribs and cigarette scars.
The boy kneels down holding the glare.
This thing staring at him, beaten and sparse, used parts, all used up, a mangled junkyard of a lonely man’s handiwork, longing for something, haunting this moment. Wondering,
Wandering highways alone, 

in a low zone of no love, they found you full. 

Along the gutters of this world you had gone, 
until chance struck a chord and took you. 

In long old rooms you waited for news,
walking a tight rope, wasting away, 
your sweet heart winking out.

Then over a bridge, 

down lonesome roads, 

the longest ride to a place where lovers kept you, warmed you, taught you. 

They found the string, as chance struck its chords, 

and in a flower van I learned your name. 

Now with dawn overhead, your night finally ends; 

and I will clean the sleep from your eyes, 
in this new world.
My daughter in soul and spirit,
know that you will never again wander or walk alone.