volunteer arrangements

Reuben the dog

The big black dog lies there on his side
Head on the floor looking at me
Sighs from time to time
Living out his end of days.

This dog is so cooperative
As if he has no needs
Only wanting to please
Asking only for affection.

It is very sad he is leaving us
But it is his way of doing things
As if he knows what his humans need
This dog who never complains.

The dog who has been my shadow next to me
This is what I learned from him:
Tone of voice says more than the words mean.
This is what he hears and how he knows.

Being a word person, I needed that life lesson
So much. Thank you, Reuben.
You are a very good dog.
You have a place in my heart.

enjoying a warm weekend outdoors

visioning

We are visioning living together
Making a noun into a verb
Like an idea whose time has come.
Two people combining resources.

We are engaged in this way
Discussing our options
Given our requirements
Working out how to meet our needs.

We are imagining what it will be like
Living somewhere new to both of us
Not too far from work in the city
Not too far to get away to the country.

We’re getting a bigger place
Room for you and room for me
Room for our loved ones
A place that’s better for both of us.

Let this place have a garden with trees
A place to relax and enjoy living things around us
A quiet sanctuary where peace prevails
A place to laugh and sing and cry with friends.

Let the problems present from time to time
Things that annoy between us
Trouble in our lives outside
We will talk about it together.

The essential consideration of the other person
The basis for happiness when living together
All problems can be solved if we know what we are feeling
Speak honestly and show kindness towards each other.