I keep trying not to write poems. But just like delicate and deep wind chimes a voice or an image returns to haunt my memory or my now. Recently, I presented another summer reading program at the library where I work. The film, "The Donkey Sanctuary: 40 Years On..." was shown. It was a moving and wonderful experience for all present. I always end in tears myself, but I cannot say enough about the overseas section of this remarkable documentary. Dr. Mourad M. Ragheb has to be the most gentle and loving of souls. I am truly in awe of him. The image that keeps coming back to me, telling me to write, is that of a single unnamed Donkey lying in the street. Most certainly waiting for death. I thought it was Soad, but now I am not sure who this nameless dear one is, or was. If you have not seen this film, I urge you to do so. And look for this Donkey I write about. I will never forget the dignity and tranquility I found in this unadorned child of the earth. - Jenny B.

Long Shadows of Requirement

I dare not open
This door too wide
Only a glimpse
To leave me dumb
And standing there.
With eyes used to death
And hearts immune
They watched you lie
In your silent swoon.
Your ears did droop
Long shadows cast
To the awful absolute
Where your heart beats its last.
Donkey eyes in repose
On your weak face
As I gazed upon you
And you approached heaven's gate.
Your Donkey smile all but gone
But not the love that entered
In your large grey eyes
As deep as your center.
I know I saw moonlight
On your face where you lay
And a shimmer of a breaking smile
As you held up your head
And looked my way.
Fear struck the beholder
For I shall only weep
Myself unto death
For that smile to keep.
But that smile never came
And the moonlight lay there
Unbroken in your eyes
For the heart of this Donkey
Was too deep for any smile
To reach the sadness
From it to my face.