If I swim far enough
through this darkness
there has to be light somewhere
The ashes do not convey
the essence of you,
not even close
At the river today
even the ducks
looked for you
Your collar with your smell,
your familiar jingle,
empty of you
This house, so hollow,
so quiet, while we wait
for healing
Your hair still appears
in the dustpan,
whispers of comfort
The essence of a well-loved dog, so perfectly conveyed. I hurt for you, with you.