O at the Edges

Musings on poetry, language, perception, numbers, food, and anything else that slips through the cracks.

Shadow

Posted on February 3, 2018 by robert okaji

Shadow

walking,
crushing juniper berries
at dusk

the dog shadows me
in his absence

* * *

“Shadow” first appeared here in April, 2015. It could be considered a companion piece to “Mother’s Day,” which is included in the July 2016 edition of The Lake.

19 thoughts on “Shadow”

janemwoodman on February 3, 2018 at 7:54 am said:

This is so sad. We lost her two weeks ago today.💜

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 8:53 am said:
  
  I feel for you, Jane. We lost three dogs in three years, but find joy in the two living with us now.
  
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- E on February 3, 2018 at 11:01 pm said:
  
  I’m so sorry for your loss.
  
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alisonmcghee on February 3, 2018 at 8:51 am said:

This is lovely.

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 8:53 am said:
  
  Thank you, Alison.
  
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Jazz Jaeschke on February 3, 2018 at 10:00 am said:

These do pair well … and each rubs at spots that remain tender. (Massage is probably good therapy.)

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 11:50 am said:
  
  Thanks, Jazz! Oh, how a massage would help right now!
  
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grumpygorman on February 3, 2018 at 12:01 pm said:

very touching..

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 12:03 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Anthony.
  
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V.J. Knutson on February 3, 2018 at 1:29 pm said:

Love this one – simple image conveys such depth of sentiment.

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 4:06 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much, V.J. The simple centers me.
  
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Chris Cocca on February 3, 2018 at 5:01 pm said:

Love this.

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- robert okaji on February 3, 2018 at 8:16 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Chris.
  
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rothpoetry on February 3, 2018 at 6:25 pm said:

Almost felt like a haiku! Thought maybe his master was gone? After reading other comments is see it was her partner.
Dwigth

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lifecameos on February 3, 2018 at 10:45 pm said:

Thank you. I really like this one.

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E on February 3, 2018 at 11:01 pm said:

The ache without good enough words.

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derrickjknight on February 4, 2018 at 3:54 am said:

Most poignant

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michelle on February 4, 2018 at 8:31 pm said:

Beautiful piece.

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- robert okaji on February 4, 2018 at 8:46 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Michelle!
  
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