For E.E., J.C., C.E.C., & B.
Erin and Joe and Cash and Blue abide,
Quietly, in a house across the walk.
I don’t know them well; I stroll by, wave “Hi,”
And, sometimes, pause for neighborly brief talk.
They rescued Blue (with eponymous eyes),
A border collie, skillful, nervous, bright.
No doubt that dog completely changed their lives,
But not so much as newborn Cash, the light
Illuminating both their toil and dreams.
They asked me (as I passed) had I the wit
To watch their house? They both are primed, it seems,
For travel-time—Joe’s off to Reykjavik—
But Erin’s bound for Boise. Who minds Cash?
Keeps Blue from wand’ring off? Why this strange dash?
I yearn to learn: why Iceland, Idaho—
Abandoning our endless Venice show?
Myriad questions, burble to the top,
Beset my soul—you can’t make such stuff up!
(10/22/08)