Geography*

for Stella

Like sutures in a skull 

we have stitched ourselves together

two lives in apposition

at the measured pace of bone

smooth here

jagged there

a mountain range of moments 

tracked in zippered contour lines

which have led us, undeniably,

to the scree slope of your end

where I practice walks without you

through the rain wet grass

sodden

but stilling

so when you pass between the blades 

soaked in light, like the morning

I will wake to find you

everywhere

a geography pierced

and seamless

a landscape shot through

with light.

*This piece was originally published a few years ago, when our dog Stella had a health scare. She left us this evening, after living fully to the ripe old age of almost-15. Much love to you, dear Stelly.