To Chris, Ray, and Melissa

Where once
there were
thundering hooves,
excited whinnies,
tickly nuzzles,
slobbery kisses-
There is silence.

Where once
there were
knowing eyes,
alert ears,
swishing tails,
flaring nostrils-
There is stillness.

Where once
there was
a full heart,
overflowing love,
boundless wonder,
limitless possibility-
There is nothing.

But there is
on the breeze
that sends the rest
flying
A whisper,
A flash,
A promise,
A memory

A memory
to live on
to remember
to remind
to comfort

But there is
on the ground,
already strong and
exuberant
A copy,
An image,
A goddess
A filly

A filly
to live on
to remember
to remind
to comfort...