Ottava Rima for Chaco
My Chaco, his dark eyes adoring,
Will lie by my feet, all content,
The depth of his feeling’s outpouring,
Leaves little doubt of his intent.
Although he might softly be snoring
Each night I would know that he meant
Protection for me from new danger,
Like unwelcome steps of a stranger.
When going on walks he will follow
Wherever a new trail might lead,
O’er ridges or down through a hollow,
More faithful than any man’s steed.
While humans might chat of things shallow
A silent respect is his creed.
Sharing ski trails he will bound through the snow
That hides the small things that are sleeping below.
In the summer we’ll hike through the hills,
His senses alert and alive,
O’er mountains or wading through rills
I know that he always will strive
To detect any dangers or ill
Before there’s a chance they’ll arrive
On my path; allowing my focus
To remain on a pine or a crocus.
Far nobler my dog than others I’ve known;
His actions arise from his love.
While infinite legions of humans have shown
Their motives have not been above
Suspicion. Again and again they have blown
Naïve views that they will think of
Ones heart before starting their actions,
But selfishly act from their passions.
Yes, Chaco has made my life better
His presence just makes me relax.
My emotions feel light as a feather
My heart feels quite safe from attacks.
I only have wondered if whether,
When no longer he’s in my tracks,
The ache in my heart will consume me,
Or I’ll still feel his spirit fly to me.
Carol McMillan
April 8, 2013
(I wrote it in the present tense because the past had too many syllables.) J
