Birch Branches Caressing Green hills

Birch branches caressing,
over the green hills.
I lie on this grass,
pondering frills.

A gentle breeze awakens,
I gather my things.
My walking stick and I,
we go toward hills notch.

On the other side,
A great lake mesmerized.
A cabin shoreside,
and a lonely dog lied.

Gently I walk towards,
the dog looks at me.
HIs tongue panting,
his white teeth glistening.

I arrived by his feet,
gave him my hand,
as he rubbed with teeth.
So I gave him a treat.

Beyond the lake,
lied a forest with trail.
I pondered a walk,
yet the dog kept me there.

I looked in the cabin,
there was no one inside.
I decided to stay,
since I found a good friend.

Soon it was dusk,
we shared a stew of duck.
Nightfall arrived,
a nice fire glowed.

Waiting for sleep that night,
I ponder the trail.
Where shall it take me,
whom will I meet.

At sunrise the dog woke me,
we shared the quiet time.
I looked at the trail,
over coffee and cake.

The dog licked my hand,
pointing behind the cabin,
I followed and found,
a garden patch abound.

Berries and greens,
corn and beans.
There was also a coop,
few chickens in group.

The dog took me further,
we walked thru the woods.
He showed me a brook,
and there lied the owner.

The old man was fishing,
as well seemed to be swishing,
Whiskey bottle by his side,
he slid off his chair, and died.

I spent the day digging,
and lay him to rest.
A prayer was given,
as he went on to heaven.

I wondered who he was,
how life brought him here.
Where has he been,
what has he done.

The cabin seemed empty,
no books or anything nifty.
Not a painting or figurine,
nor even a magazine.

That night over dinner,
I pondered and wondered.
The dog by the fire,
nothing to aspire.

The old man found peace,
his faithful dog by his side,
overlooking his past,
liberated of concerns and fears.

He lived life for the moment,
enjoying the gifts we are granted.
Surviving each day,
by the essence he created.

I looked at the dog,
and then at the fire.
I got up and paced,
Dog , your name is now Max.

Max, come with me,
and we went to the lake.
we rowed out in the boat,
and started to fish.