"Pennies and Nickels"
By Samantha Reichl
You just dropped me
like loose change.
I would have preferred
to be thrown,
to be smashed
into thousands of shards
of broken cardiac muscles
because at least
that would mean
you made an effort.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Mindi”
By Ocie Kilgus
When we used to walk . . .
our daily outings anchored us.
We wrapped ourselves up in the familiar:
Early dawns
Eager dressing
Swinging doors
Brisk air
Breakfast smells
Sidewalk patterns
Perfect strides
Fellow walkers
Morning greetings
Occasional treats
Other pups
Favorite spots
Insistent nudges
Gentle pats
Chattering birds
Darting squirrels
Dewy gardens
Wet paws
Knowing sighs
Two smiles
Every day
Giving you
Giving me
Shoreless love.
“For Mindi, our Westie.”
