Truncated Wail of Joy

How timid a man’s emotions can be

This rejoicing of tenacity

As it quietly releases its sigh

Through a welcoming rictus

Knowing one’s outward revealing of thanks

Will be gradual

How serious his little animal friend

Peered through cage wires of home

Noting the man’s change of mood

Acknowledging with a blink and a flick of the tail

A seldom-seen action

From his little chinchilla companion

Having shared the closure

Of a sorrowful human relationship

Where trust and security had eroded

The soft fur and gentle paws

Of the rodent supreme

Beneath the man’s fingers,

Shared this mild,

Yet poignant moment of gladness,

As the lengthy year of a relationship’s pain and sorrow

Had come to an end.

With a scratch under his soft chin,

The heartfelt “thank you” to Destiny’s comforting pal,

Was acknowledged with a flick of his tail.

As the man made his nightly goodnight

It was like the finishing of a long and wearying book,

But an experience that had delivered lessons

And a touch more of wisdom.

Good night, Barron

Tomorrow’s going to be a great day.