Dixie Dance
At 5 A. M. jump from bed chores need care.
Break all ice on top ~ of the water bowls.
Dogs are first, because I can't stand their stare.
Bourguignon stew in congealed hunks of meat.
Next feed cats, go let out the chickens, beware.
Blue jays wait on a rail for spilled cracked corn.
We make it until ~ next harvest with prayer.
Just enough fodder ~ left from summer sun.
Rubber knee boots for the barn hike I wear
Wrap a wool scarf ~ I see Dixie is gone.
She pecks at my outfits as a fashion flair.
Call her for treats as other chooks scramble.
Heavy heart's a weight tears bubble rain.
Pups remind ~ responsibility waits.
Failure as a mother causes me pain
Damn coyotes stole innocent away.
A parent should not out-live their pet
Scorpions in firewood, crabs in the pond
Teach the babies to tuck, run and not fret
Return to the cabin to find feathers.
A surprise daughter feeding Dixie bugs
There on the grass we do a joyful dance
Celebrate life chances for loving hugs
Share all you can before they disappear.
Remind to give Dixie slices of pear
Caroline Gerardo copyright ©
poem and video February 21, 2018 all rights reserved
