It was a fortnight before Memorial Day
Past, when I took the air in Carl Schurz Park,
The majesty of life was calling, and a lovely
Breeze did my grateful cheek caress, as the
Delicate waters flowed peacefully onward; it
Was not yet upon eventide, when I locked eyes
With an ancient hound, his coat was grizzled
Betwixt the hallowed moons, his fur was grey
Amidst the half-light, and his eyes were eyes
Of such primordial wisdom and that told of
Such boundless woe, eyes that spoke of such
Terrible suffering, that transfixed my weary
Heart, and that knew of the sadness that was
Man’s drowning; they told of the sacking of
Great cities, of terrible battles and despair,
They told of the dreams of the innocent
Crushed beneath a ruthless demonic power,
They told of the inimitable suns, and of the
Enslavement of billions, they spoke of the
Dissolution of human bonds and of the burning
Of timeless texts, they told of unspeakable
Cruelty, and of the ravaging of ancient lands,
And above all they told of the tragedy that was
Man, and of the bells of fate come nigh; walking
In Carl Schurz Park I locked eyes with an ancient
Hound, and his soul walks with me to this day