Carrie Link

ODE TO SWEETPEA


Our porch was the place
All thought she must live,
Not with the neigbors
Where technically she did.
She spent all her days
And many an eve,
Right out our door
With seldom reprieve.
She had there a bed
Two bowls and attention,
She was petted and loved
from every direction.
Just down is the school
She timed her days well,
The comings and goings
Of each school bell.
The kids, parents and siblings
All stopped for a chat,
She sprawled on the sidewalk
Like she was their cat.
The whole street felt affinity
As she lay on their lawns,
They all knew her name
And now she is gone.
Right on the street
That felt sunny and warm,
She'd lie in the middle
Expecting no harm.
She behaved like she owned it
We knew to be watchful,
The street was hers
And now we all feel awful.
A newcomer thought
It was just any street
They didn't know it was special
And now we all weep.