Tracing Features
for Chimette
by Karyn E. LaGrange

I glide my left index finger
over your brow's rustic arches
as smoothly as it will glide over
the raised impressions
of brailled text.

Down your slender muzzle
color is neutralized
in the appearance of a goatee.

My hands immerse
in the sandy pigment of your throat
where it blends into
the white shaggy crest of your underbelly,
a snowy island in the black sea.

I recall with precision
each color blending itself
into a new hue
as if to construct you anew
where all is becoming void.

copyright 1998
 
 

Instinct
by Karyn E. LaGrange

At six months
your inbred herding capability
was so unique
it appeared
you were creating new steps
to the break-dance
at every driveway or intersection.

Soon you began to notice
many sounds had no affect upon me.
Before I realized it
you had become my personal alerting system
replacing my deafness
with your acutely-sensitive hearing.

As my eyes began failing
you began halting before uneven surfaces--
weaving me around the obstacles
that had begun to create collision courses
when I was without you.

Leaving alone each morning
I was met with your pawing at
your bright orange harness and cape
where they hang upon their hook.

Upon my return
you'd snuffle your nose and muzzle
up my sleeves and pants legs
as if you were inspecting me
for any new-found injury.

Today I stroll society
with your eyes and ears.

copyright 1998
1999- Best Poem of the Year
IAADP's Writing Competition.
 
 

Sight Regained
by Karyn E. LaGrange

The knuckles of my index and middle fingers
on my braced right hand
splotch white-
from their taut grip
around the clear flexible tubing
of the guide handle on your cape
poised for your next directional cue.

Moving forward-
my hand bounces rythmically
on your dark side
Swaying from side to side
as you veer me around the obstacles
which are like obscured objects
to be circled in a picture activity book.

Through your eyes
I experience a fresh perspective
as though seeing for the first time.

copyright 1999
 
 

Like a frisky pup
you clench the blue
knotted web cord
tightly
fastened around
the fridge door handle
between your teeth-

Bracing your hind legs
you thrust the door wide
anticipating the morsel
waiting behind the door

Once again
the task incomplete--

Front legs stiffening like stilts
as you're then thrust
up and down like a jack rabbit
before
being catapulted to the ground

Head thrust back
thrashing
saliva frothing like bubbles
rushing from your mouth
joining the spilled urine--
eyes roll side to side
The paddling action--
no stranger to your limbs

You struggle to your feet
like a newly birthed calf
nervous and agitated
you clumsily resume the task

Copyright 2000
 
 

When we met
your amber eyes
were nothing more
than beauty to me

As my world dimmed
images before me
were turning into
an unfinished jigsaw puzzle

That beauty
has become security
from your instinctive footsteps
that guide me safely
up and down curbs
and around obstacles
as though we were on a ride
at the amusement park

My fears of
a darkening world
thwarted
by seeing through
your amber eyes

copyright 2003
 
 

My Heart...

From Hearing dog to Service Dog,
From Service Dog to Guide-
You made my life full and
my journeys eventful.
No one will ever quite fill
my life and my heart
the way you have

I thank you for all the splendid years
for all the days when you got drenched
and all the days when it was hotter
than you appreciated
For being by my side,
protecting me from the world
of sounds and sights
that I was oblivious to

You are my sidekick
Your 4 paws
will never really be filled again
You are leaving behind a huge legacy

You are my heart dear boy
my heart

copyright  August 2007