Love slipped in
    through the back passenger window of an old jalopy
    a marriage built of flaws and fears, compassion and rescue
Love came
    in the form of a black-faced, fleet-footed furry puppy
The jalopy broke down and was left abandoned
We built a new car, Love and I
Love travelled as my companion over mountains and through valleys
Across land, water and sky we followed adventure’s scent together
Black face turned to white
Fleet feet slowed to trot
Then, in the cover of night, the small passenger window once again was broken
Like a thief, Death slipped in
Love slipped out
    on the trail of a new scent into the heavens

October 25, 2017
Pamela Jean Holm