GinNie Tanner Smith (1948 / Seymor, Indiana)

Magnolia Moon for Miss Kate
Gin-Nie Tanner Smith
February 28,2013, copy right 2013 ©

Stepping outside, the crisp, cold air consumes and chills,
Soft wispy clouds dance around the bright February moon,
Brilliant shafts of light reflect upon the Magnolia's verdant leaves,
Only for a fleeting moment it appears her buds of white had begun new life,
Stars seemed to be at arm's reach while silently observing planet earth,
Strangely quiet is the blue shadowed night as if in reverence,
Save the sound of a shovel slicing into the yielding damp earth;

As I gaze into your soft vacant eyes, I see the reflection of last night,
Slowly your raised your great self upon the couch you loved,
Settling next to me and gently placed your right paw upon my chest,
Then laid your fine head upon my left shoulder looking into my eyes,
I recognized your pain and heard your voice whispering farewell,
As you slid your head up and down my back, I felt your embrace,
Still quiet is this bittersweet night, save the cruel shovel of reality;

Miss Kate, now you are at peace, no ache from your aged bones,
Peacefully, you found your reward after thirteen years to simple folk,
Joyfully within those gentle boundless fields to explore and freely roam,
Hours of bliss while playing catch with the angels and belly rubs,
Now, we settle you upon your favorite blanket and swaddle you well,
Sadly placing over you, the clay and sand of this good southern sod,
It pleases me well, for you feel the hand of God upon your yellow head.