Garth Brooks, Christmas and My Dog, Russell
Russell waiting for his stick to be thrown. I sit in my chair in the living room Dominated by a scraggly tree Decorated with dozens of ornaments Collected over the years. I hear the first chords of "Let It Snow" Sung by Garth Brooks, Played over my Sonos stereo, And I'm transported back in time. I'm running, A Sony Discman held in my hand. Snow falls softly Cushioning thrum of tires And engines propelling vehicles On the roadway across the frozen spillway From where I run. My dog, Russell carries a stick That he occasionally drops Expecting my to throw it. And a surge of loss sweeps over me. Yet, I'm grateful For all the years Shared in his company.