Goodbye, my Keiss . . .
Goodbye, my Keiss . . . The long handle blended into the browns and gray hues of the desert. It was only broken by the haphazardness of the mesquite bushes that dotted the expanse beyond ...
Forum Discussion
Six months ago today, I was leaning the motorcycle into the curves as I worked my way down the East Portal Road. My beloved Scotty Dog, Keiss, riding behind me on my motorcycle. He enjoyed riding in the open top case on many trips, with him on the back of my BMW GSA. In my mirror I could see his small head up over the edge of the case, the triangle ears not as tall and firm as they once were. The wind pushed away the long hair that normally hid those deep Pearl black sparkling eyes. Today they look distant, there was not any sparkle in them. I was not sure he knew this would be his last ride. But the last 3 hours we had spent together, sitting in the openness of California’s Alabama Hills. Our camp and home for these last few days. It was apparent he was not comfortable and the appointment ahead of us, was needed. For both of us.
Now time has passed, my travels now has me deep in the canyons of Utah’s Grand Staircase. I still long to hear his small yelp, that message that he had returned and wanted back inside the warmth of the camper. How he was able to find camper, these many dark nights, in so many remote locations, is something I will never comprehend or will never know.
Last night I heard what I thought was his yelp, of wanting in. Before I even thought about it, I walked to the door and opened it. Darkness enveloped me and the bright stars were hanging brightly overhead. The cold chill of the night just woke me to the realization of this ambling of an aging man that was lost in his thoughts. Thoughts of wanting an old friend to return. Only to be hit in the gut, with a punch of reality that life has changed forever.
Closing the door, I found myself back at the table, leaning back over my book. Elbows on the table, hands on the side of my head. Spectacles off to the side of my book. My reading light seemed much brighter, now, as my tears dropped to the page, below my eyes. Each tear enhanced the letter of the printed words on the page. I knew from past moments, like this, to turn the page. As this has come many times these last six months.
Goodbye my Keiss
b
Now time has passed, my travels now has me deep in the canyons of Utah’s Grand Staircase. I still long to hear his small yelp, that message that he had returned and wanted back inside the warmth of the camper. How he was able to find camper, these many dark nights, in so many remote locations, is something I will never comprehend or will never know.
Last night I heard what I thought was his yelp, of wanting in. Before I even thought about it, I walked to the door and opened it. Darkness enveloped me and the bright stars were hanging brightly overhead. The cold chill of the night just woke me to the realization of this ambling of an aging man that was lost in his thoughts. Thoughts of wanting an old friend to return. Only to be hit in the gut, with a punch of reality that life has changed forever.
Closing the door, I found myself back at the table, leaning back over my book. Elbows on the table, hands on the side of my head. Spectacles off to the side of my book. My reading light seemed much brighter, now, as my tears dropped to the page, below my eyes. Each tear enhanced the letter of the printed words on the page. I knew from past moments, like this, to turn the page. As this has come many times these last six months.
Goodbye my Keiss
b
