Work's taken Terry into downtown
Chicago, twelve years. Before that
we visited schools; sharing music,stories in
classes for special kids; awesome occupation.
Full time employment came calling Ter.
Grateful, my friend did not dare pass it up.
Changes followed; cane in hand, She'd start
out at dawn, returning home by seven PM.
The northwest commuter line delivered
her to Ogilvie. Two bus rides,and a brisk
walk to work meant a ninety minute
trip, each way, was a given.
At first she traveled alone, but then
Tiffin came along. Good as gold,
Guide Dog; the yellow lab was an
answer to prayers.
Sighted commuters might
hesitate when they attempted
public transportation,
not Terry.
In front of her building, at the curb,
she waited for a lift; good dog, too.
Red-tipped cane in hand, backpack cinched,
plus beltbag and lunchbag - she's off
to the train station, where she joined
other riders. Together, Tiffin and Terry
tackled the steps, jostled down the
aisle and sat themselves down.
When I'm the early morning driver
I've watched her through green
glass, best I can, until I can't catch a
glimpse of my friend, anymore.
My eyes often mist.
In silence I wish her -
Godspeed.
This poem was first published in May, 2013, in the collection of writings called
Overcoming; an anthology by the Off Campus Writers Workshop.
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