Devastating. A visceral shock
We brought Iko in for routine dental work
but then
a massive tumor in his throat
“Aggressive melanoma”
We reluctantly agreed
to have Iko put down
Three weeks have gone by
Iko’s ashes are on the mantel
His spirit has spread throughout the house
I look for him each time I enter a room
expect to see him on his pillow in the hallway
or waiting at the door when we return
My biological clock tells me
when it’s time for our walk
I note each shrub on Ludlow Ave
where Iko would want to pause and sniff
Last night as she was getting out of bed
Katja saw Iko on the floor near her feet
She stepped out of the way
to avoid hurting him
When I turned twelve
I gave up my belief in ghosts
Now I find myself re-thinking the matter
