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Drinking where the riverbed is dry

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Charlie and I walked our post-cancer walks
Down this narrow stretch of green in the city
For a full decade. We aged together
But not like malt, we blended into each other,
Man and Dog. He recognized the smells, me the sights,
And his life was shorter than mine. That afflicted me like
A sentence. Very few minutes pass
Without me thinking of that.  He connected me to the
Pack, little knowing that the human herd is what I find
Most offensive, most absurd. I try to fly past those nets
Of race, nationality and religion. A new Daedalus come
To cry: “my medium is the heavens, my medium is the sky.”
But we walked slower and slower each day, me clearing
Up his shit, him watching the dreary Manchester sky.

◄ Good Friday

Ditty ►

Comments

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keith jeffries

Mon 10th Apr 2023 09:28

John,
This poem brought me to the verge of tears. The bond established with another creature, who despite the difference between us, gives us a new and different perspective on the world in which we both inhabit. Even if there is a gap there is also a deeper connection as we become a part of each other. As you say it makes absurd the notions of race, nationality and religion along with other human prejudices. With my two dogs we stand together. I cherish them beyond words. They are incomparable to to anyone else I know.
A poem which takes our humanity into a different place; one of mutual harmony.
I thank you for this
Keith

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Stephen Gospage

Mon 10th Apr 2023 08:38

This poem had a profound effect on me, John. Relationships are so important, even though deep down we understand their limitations.

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