Running Free in the Forests of Heaven

Running free in the forests of Heaven

is how I see you,

tail and ears up

and that old wild gleam

in your eye.

I never tamed you.

I never wanted to.

We both loved the wild,

and I honored it in you.

Those big puppy paws,

I hope they're lolloping along

miles of sandy beaches,

dipping in and out

of the waves,

the way you always did,

impervious to my calls

as you always were,

until you were done,

and then back you'd come,

galloping along

to me.

You'd pick up a piece 

of driftwood

as we left,

and carry it to the car,

for remembering.

Now I am the one

who is remembering.

And one day,

when it's time,

old wilderness pal of mine,

may you come lolloping

back to me

to guide me safely home.

There are only three things

I need to see in Heaven -

the first is you,

and old growth forests,

and the sea,

so we can walk those trails,

hike endless sandy beaches,

and watch the sunset, once more,

you and me.

written in 2011 and posted for the Poetry Pantry at Poets United