Before She Died

When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you.
As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you.

With all the leaves gone almost from the trees, 

I did not walk briskly through the field.

Late today with my dog Wool, I lay down in the upper field,
he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.

Leaning on him, 

I wondered how finite these lustered days seem to you, 

A stand of hemlock across the lake catches my eye. 

It will take a long time to know how it is for you. 

Like a dog's lifetime -- long -- multiplied by sevens