Dog Star by Russell Rowland

Fourteen years ago Rufus was a pup: goodness,
that’s a weight of years
for a big dog to carry, even with four legs—

and Bob who walked him was pushing a walker
himself when they went out. A lot
of stop-and-go, since pees came hard for Rufus.

Well, I haven’t caught up to inquire;

still, either arrangements were made on behalf
of Rufus, or else Rufus made
arrangements on his own behalf—because now

I see Bob shuffling with his walker,
all alone. His head is bowed, and other things
could account for that—

aside from walking a Rufus who isn’t there.

Meanwhile, Sirius ascends to heaven—
Dog Star, part of Canis Major, the Great Dog;
brightest star in Earth’s dark sky—

visible cloudless nights this time of year.



Seven-time Pushcart Prize nominee Russell Rowland writes from New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, His latest poetry book, Magnificat, is available from Encircle Publications.