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Canine Grace
by
Lois Parker Edstrom


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Donnie attends church every Sunday morning.
He guides Chuck to a back pew,
lies down at his long-time companion's feet.
Sunlight through stained glass windows
gilds his blond fur with rainbows.
He enters into an hour of silence,
his own realm of meditation,
or sleep. Just before the benediction
Donnie stands, shakes his harness,
his unique practice in the ringing of bells.
His expression is hopeful
as the two of them head toward
the fellowship hall. Will there be
a cookie, or perhaps a bit of left-over
communion bread?


From Glint (MoonPath Press, 2019).
Used here with permission.

 



Lois Parker Edstrom is a retired nurse. Author of four collections of poetry, her award-winning work has been featured in numerous journals, appeared on The Writer’s Almanac and American Life in Poetry, been adapted to dance, and transcribed into Braille. Lois lives with her husband on Whidbey island, off the coast of Washington. Learn more about her at loisparkeredstrom.com.

 

 

 


Post New Comment:
Jo:
Beautiful poem. animals know. We are so lucky to have them.
Posted 11/10/2019 10:02 PM
tiddles:
Thank you for your insight. Pets know.
Posted 11/10/2019 08:27 PM
annika_cl:
Heartwarming! Oh, to have a dog someday... "Sunlight through stained glass windows gilds his blond fur with rainbows" is my favorite part.
Posted 11/10/2019 07:32 PM
barbsteff:
Sweet!
Posted 11/10/2019 05:51 PM
BAMars:
Gorgeous poem even for a non-churchgoer. I strive to be the person my dog thinks I am.
Posted 11/10/2019 11:51 AM
KevinArnold:
I'm right there. Well done.
Posted 11/10/2019 11:03 AM
plgoodman:
Perfect for a Sunday morning, Lois. A beautiful picture of gentle humanity and animal truth!
Posted 11/10/2019 08:29 AM
njc:
A divine way to begin my day. Thank you.
Posted 11/10/2019 08:25 AM


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