Loved the lunar theme in this (perhaps because the moon always shifts loneliness back to solitude for me - as do dogs!). Such an evocative piece - the characters, Bodhi, a sense of somewhere at once removed and centred. Wishing you a smooth re-entry.
I love the idea of a "swirling amalgamation", but I wonder how many of my souls are bickering in the background, and, when I decide to sit with the dissonance, who'll win.
How can I read a copy of your poem? I love your homage to the dog. One dog, a little Yorkshire terrier, was the enlightened being in my life. He died at the age of 16, five years ago, and I still think of him every day. Your descriptions of your writing activities and your involvement with your writing colleagues and with nature are wonderful to read. I look forward to your column every week.
Thank you, Sandy. My mom has always had yorkies, and has two now, both of whom are old and will be sorely missed. I marked the four-year passing of my own little dog, a JRT named Darla, just a couple days ago. She figures prominently in my first book and I don't know that I would be here writing how if not for her. So yes, enlightened beings they truly are.
As for the poem, it is linked in the text, but you can also get it here:
Your poem is impressive. You may be the patron saint of writers as you are inspiring me to work on my novel. Emotionally, I find it difficult to write since my Yorkie, Macduff, died. We would walk five miles every morning and two every afternoon. As he read his pee mail and swam in a lake, I would write my thoughts in a little pad. When we came home, he would sit by my feet as I typed my chapters. I have had other dogs, note the Samoyed next to me in my photo, but none touched my heart the way Duffy did. I belonged to two writing groups when I wrote my first novel, and these people were tremendous colleagues. My husband and I recently moved to a new state to be near my children, and I have yet to find a writing group or the incentive to continue writing. Your poem is giving me that incentive.
Yes for me anyway there is something so welcoming about a big dog who climbs into your car and decides to have a nap while my son fixed a few things.....
I've been waiting to hear of your sojourn to CB. I was once there myself, in my twenties. I doubt that it has changed much since then, its pretty far out there, physically and else wise. I am glad you had such a good time!
Nothing like a very good dog to pull us right into the land and the moment. I don't know how many travels of mine have suddenly made sense upon meeting a critter.
Colorado sounds a lot like Berkeley. That sleeping porch sounds amazing. We passed through Denver in 2019 and the scenery all the way there and away was awe-striking.
Loved the lunar theme in this (perhaps because the moon always shifts loneliness back to solitude for me - as do dogs!). Such an evocative piece - the characters, Bodhi, a sense of somewhere at once removed and centred. Wishing you a smooth re-entry.
Thank you, Clare. The moon seems to play a bigger and bigger role for me anymore.
I love the idea of a "swirling amalgamation", but I wonder how many of my souls are bickering in the background, and, when I decide to sit with the dissonance, who'll win.
The bickering is constant in my head, believe me. All too often the surlier ones have their way, but the others do their best to keep them in line.
Is that James at the end? I really enjoyed reading this, and your poem.
Thanks, Thomas. And yes, that is James at the end. He's quite a character.
I think I want to have coffee with James. Might need to add Crested Butte to my list of desired travels.
Your CB experience has enlightened all of us...welcome home
Thanks, Barb. I believe you'll be home soon too?
Yes, fly back June 9th...enriched but not enlightened!?
How can I read a copy of your poem? I love your homage to the dog. One dog, a little Yorkshire terrier, was the enlightened being in my life. He died at the age of 16, five years ago, and I still think of him every day. Your descriptions of your writing activities and your involvement with your writing colleagues and with nature are wonderful to read. I look forward to your column every week.
Thank you, Sandy. My mom has always had yorkies, and has two now, both of whom are old and will be sorely missed. I marked the four-year passing of my own little dog, a JRT named Darla, just a couple days ago. She figures prominently in my first book and I don't know that I would be here writing how if not for her. So yes, enlightened beings they truly are.
As for the poem, it is linked in the text, but you can also get it here:
https://tinyseedjournal.com/2021/05/26/the-patrons-by-featured-poet-chris-latray/
Your poem is impressive. You may be the patron saint of writers as you are inspiring me to work on my novel. Emotionally, I find it difficult to write since my Yorkie, Macduff, died. We would walk five miles every morning and two every afternoon. As he read his pee mail and swam in a lake, I would write my thoughts in a little pad. When we came home, he would sit by my feet as I typed my chapters. I have had other dogs, note the Samoyed next to me in my photo, but none touched my heart the way Duffy did. I belonged to two writing groups when I wrote my first novel, and these people were tremendous colleagues. My husband and I recently moved to a new state to be near my children, and I have yet to find a writing group or the incentive to continue writing. Your poem is giving me that incentive.
What an amazing residency and of course the dog
There's almost always a dog, isn't there?
Yes for me anyway there is something so welcoming about a big dog who climbs into your car and decides to have a nap while my son fixed a few things.....
It’s so wonderful to read about how well this experience was for you. Good on you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you.
Excellent.
Re-entry aggravations aside, Welcome Home. My problem with writing is that I’d rather be reading and talking. So looking forward to your new book.
I often feel like I'd rather be reading as well, heh. Thank you. Also—what ARE you reading?
What a journey! Thank you for sharing.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. And you've shared it beautifully with us all now. Thank you!
Thank you, Angie.
....and THIS is a perfect post!! (But, yes, that is a perfect name for such a fine animal!)
I've been waiting to hear of your sojourn to CB. I was once there myself, in my twenties. I doubt that it has changed much since then, its pretty far out there, physically and else wise. I am glad you had such a good time!
Jim, I think you would be shocked how much it's changed.
Bodhi has a nice smile.
The best smile!
Nothing like a very good dog to pull us right into the land and the moment. I don't know how many travels of mine have suddenly made sense upon meeting a critter.
Game changers, every time.
Colorado sounds a lot like Berkeley. That sleeping porch sounds amazing. We passed through Denver in 2019 and the scenery all the way there and away was awe-striking.
It truly is.