North
sun on the willow
the woman carries the wash
over the grey dog
asleep by the open door
cliff swallows reclaim the line
years ago we chose
a red butter-soft puppy
who liked us & did
not pee all the long drive home
except when we stopped for gas
I led him gently
to the end of the pasture
& over the fence
to hack through ferns & deadfall
looking for a new way out
I courted island
& city women & once
left him on the boat
where he waited & waited
until everyone had gone