LEAVE TAKING

Even then, at the unseasoned age
of seven, he thought it odd
his father had named the fox
terrier Lassie. He thought only
collies should be called Lassie.

She's smart as a whip his father
said. He had taught her to roll
over, play dead and jump through
his arms formed into a circle.

They moved that summer and
had to sell some things because
the new house was smaller.
He went with his father to
the auction barn with a truck load
of stuff his father said they
didn't really need anyway.

Why are we taking Lassie
he said but his father didn't
answer. They left her with
the old sofa and some chairs.
He didn't cry because his
father said you're too
old for that.