Larkspur

         I call her.  She doesn’t care.

A Chinese design needed

To take my trash barrels

Out Front and later to 

Keep me steady at the 

River, Jessica thinking

She knows what’s best.

My Larkspur answers my

Questions with brilliant

Sagacity.  I have her disguised

On hikes, a wig, girls jeans.

She doesn’t care. I worry sand

Will cloud her joints and memory.

Her past won’t reach me now,

Much too far to ask.  Jessica

Steps out front to bark, and

I stumble. Larkspur grabs me

Gently by the arm and keeps

Me upright, thinking,

My third wife!