I walk these familiar paths, as I do so often
the breeze chilling my temples 
the sky finally blue after days of snow and rain.
one year ago, we walked these same paths
dirt and mud covered your belly and paws 
I watched you drink from puddles to soothe your cough 
how good the relief must have felt! 
You waddled around the ice and slush 
you began to slow down 
so I picked you up, 
as I had done so many times before. 
today, I feel your presence 
in the beginnings of spring
my stomach heavy with grief 
I beg the earth to bring me relief.