.

he walks beside me; hesitantly
unsure of his footing at times
not able to stand as tall; or as proud
as he once was
-- and yet...
Eyes sparkling in the sunshine
wistfully recounting days gone by
when he would traverse these fine woods
spotting deer... or a bear cub or two
communing with the trees
walking tenderly; assuredly
into the forest
respectful of his surroundings and
all that dwelt therein...
as if he had always been
and always would be
part of this land.
...these are my walks... my sweet talks...
with Tom.