ch.7, v.37-60 (the sickness)

The fires of physic have subsided and healing advances tenderly
As like a new generation of sprouted seeds sprung from a scorched earth.

We know not yet what each day brings unto us,
For some advance like the tired limbs of elder canines,
Determined but easily tempted to the restful rest of napping,
While others may awake with the burst of the puppy unable to remain abed with the rays of the sun upon its too soft face.

Yea, in wisdom we observe the end of the fires with walks upon the shores of fresh waters,
Wherein I wade and refresh my hide and many dogs also are wildly at play,
And with us walk the puppies of humans who make wild play upon the paths and upon the benches.







We take our perambulations in the warm company of good companions
--And, behold, these three have journeyed from far in the west--
Like a branch of the tree of the arbor that is our pack extended,
It bends its way back unto us for uplift in the days of healing.


Walk with me, small human who is brave and forthright,
Into the waters of the pond of jamaica.
Mind not the wetness of these superfluous fabrics,
For they shall dry in the light of this day's sun.




Nap with us, wise sire,
And be blessed with the armful of fluffy toys that are as sheep,
But beware the exuberance of your puppy
For your respite is but a plaything, a trampoline for her puppyish energy,
For to her the world is but all a wonder,
As much to be consumed upside down
As right side up.




Exegesis and Commentary
This was the end of August, and truly the most challenging parts of treatment seem to be over, and now recuperation is underway. A visit from Ann Arbor, with Rosie and Jon and Zoe, was a highlight of the time, and Frida had several of the extra and extra-long walks that typically come when I have visitors and extra days off from work. So the first was to Fresh Pond in Cambridge, near where SK and Big D live, with Leah and Isaac; Fresh Pond has an official off-leash dog play area that includes this wonderful little side pond. Highly recommended for dogwalkers in the Boston area.

Jamaica Pond doesn't include any official off-leash dog areas, but this spot near the "dog bowl" is the unofficial canine swimming hole. It's where Frida frequently takes her summer evening wade, and this time Zoe joined her, quite determined to go in as far as she could--maybe a bit to her parents' consternation. My parents, on the other hand, were happy with a bench in the sun.