The Divine Old Dog is restless tonight
she circles and circles
she licks at her paws
she does not hear her name
is confused and uncertain
she is abashed at her accidents
she tried to say but could not.
Are you at the gate great creature?
are you proud, old girl tired of
this cold winter day
these human needs and dramas
this winter world
does the cold make your legs ache?
Divine Old Dogs accept
the ways of the world
the nature of life
they come when they choose
leave when they are ready
they have all sorts of ways to tell us
when it is time
and they always decide
Excerpt from the poem 'Divine Old Dog at the Gate'
Jon Katz at Bedlam Farm
Paintings by Miguel Macaya