PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Although this is one of the: Although this is one of the shortest poems that I have read from Patricia, it is just as full of her signature style---which, were I too sum it up (with my present understanding of it), is to find the spiritual meaning in natural phenomenon.  The Gates of Orion and Councils of Stars provide her a venue for this; and now, she brings her particularly poetic insight to the subject of Beloved Pets.    She defines what the joy of a pet is, and how we understand, by instinct long possessed among our species, that our pet canines see beyond our skin, and the circumstances of our situations (by which we too often judge or criticize our fellow human beings; something a domestic dog will not do).  And the dog's wild heart not only tames us, but becomes fiercely protective of us, and wildly glad to greet us when we return after an absence.     In February, 1972, I was given a Cocker Spaniel pup that I named Monica.  She lived until May, 1986.  The bond between us was deep, unshakeable, and---to me---comforting.  Unlike my parents, she did not castigate me for my failing.  Unlike my classmates, she did not make jest of me for my appearance, or for whom my nature was inclined to love.  When I was in a good mood, she liked to romp around, chase a ball, stuff like that.  But when I was sad, or frustrated (two almost constant aspects of my adolescence), she discerned that almost immediately and would not leave my side, not even to chase a ball or collect a doggy treat.  Her wild heart tamed my clumsy and awkward rages, or my sad realization that (until 1976) whomever I loved, or had a crush on, would be unresponsive or even dismissive.  Monica, even in her extreme old age, was never unresponsive or dismissive.  When she passed, I wept uncontrolably for days.  I never thought I would see her like again (and I have most always dwelt with dogs) until a rescued chihuahua pup, whom we named Zoey, entered my life in 2010.  Zoey has the same discernment Monica had; much the same personality; and is able to discern when I am seriously ill, even before I realize that.  (She also could see the ghost that supposedly haunted the second residence we shared with Zoey, although that is another story.     I have said all that to say this.  I admire this poem of Patricia's very much, as much of her more cosmic poems, and for the same reason:  she is the classical kind of Poet, like the Alexandrian Poets or their successors, the Roman Neoterics, who explained things poetically.  The Cosmos uses these highly literate interpreters to explain itself to us, and thus, through us, explain itself to itself.  And when one of our planet's fur-heroes, with eyes of discernment that see past circumstances into our souls, wins our hearts and, in its way, offers us its own Love, the Cosmos finds a fulfillment.  Massive, distamt stars fuse hdrogen into light and warmth, but to us, and to our pets, is given the privilege and responsibility to love; and, thus loving, to bring the Cosmos a little nearer to its ultimate destiny.  And in declaring---explaining---reminding us of this, Patricia participates in guiding the Cosmos to its ultimate destiny and understanding.     This is a magnificent poem, and a worthy addition to Patricia's collection.