She loved little children br But could never have any of her own- br I picture her now in gardens of cherubs br Tenderly twining her with silken ribbons; br Holding her hand, leading her down br To soft streams leading, to pastel towns. br br He loved nature, and gardens, and dogs- br I imagine him discovering mountainous regions, br Like the one where he used to labor; br Deer and elk and wild turkeys galore, br With dogs at his heels and dogs at the fore br Leading wherever he might think, to go. br br I used to think it sad that they br Didn't repose under grass and trees; br With beautiful leaves trailing around them, br With Winter behind and Summer before them. br But I think they are happy in worlds of mind br Where everyone is always kind. br br When god is finished with my portrait here, br And deems it the time to stop, and clear br His tidy work tables, for a while- br I'll try to visit the fields where they br Repose- if I can find the way.