Asphodel
for the meadow where all creatures are laid
Yesterday a family horse, Diesel, passed from old age. You’ve seen him before, bearing the goats upon his back with patience. This morning, in the course of an erasure, I found a line that would not be set aside, and from it formed this triolet in honor of Diesel.
In giving of flesh, both wild and tame,
I set my hand upon him where he lay;
linen laid close along his darkened side,
In giving of flesh, both wild and tame.
He gathers strength and cannot rise again,
pale asphodel lies gathered at his mane;
In giving of flesh, both wild and tame,
I set my hand upon him where he lay.
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Update. I added flowers to the collage.
I'm so sorry for your loss of such a sweet friend.
And Oh what a hauntingly beautiful triolet-- a fitting tribute. I love how it begins with an erasure and that lines becomes the repeated chorus.
As I was reading I was also thinking that this line would be a wonderful start to a poem: "You’ve seen him before, bearing the goats upon his back with patience." It's got music and power to it.
Lovely tribute to Diesel. I’m sorry for your loss. May your sweet memories of him bring you comfort.