Typist: Bethany
'Tis morning in Cascadia, ready to work
All around me the pets will casually lurk.
Black coffee, black laptop and telephone are near
Before sitting on the couch, black fur I must clear.

And white fur, grey fur, brown too; my task never ends
But it's worth it to work next to all my best friends.
The light as my laptop turns on almost dreamy
Sipping slow my coffee for it is still steamy.

The dogs have been walked, with the cat I have played
All the pets have been fed and the beds have been made.
As Leo's black beak munches breakfast from behind
All pets settle as I begin my daily grind.

When out on the porch, human foot steps can be heard
All rush to the door loudly except for the bird.
As dogs bark, cat meows, a fur storm at the door
Leo shouts "hello" until I can hear no more.

All that ruckus was made for just one tiny box
Delivered midst loud barking, meowing and squawks.
Calming all the pets with a plethora of treats
We can settle back in to our working time seats.

Three dog's black noses on the couch peacefully sigh
A pink cat nose covered warmly to sleep near by.
Cockatoo Leo is back to filling his crop
I again begin working at my black laptop.

My ears ringing from the box delivery attack
My much colder coffee not as tasty this black.
I would not have my work be any other way
Even loudly, pets always mean "have a nice day!"

Even if you don't work from home, how do your pets "help" you get the job done?

The steamy black coffee calm before the delivery storm

Typist: Bethany
Ode To My Fallen Traveling Friend
When I first set you up in 2009
I had to look up the directions online.
In an Oregon Country Fair field with little reception
I slowly found your set up instruction.
'Twas at that Fair you were aptly named "The Palace,"
The luxurious tent that mirrored my ballast.
Through Burning Man pilgrimages and road trips galore
Setting you up was never a chore.
I could single handedly erect you in minutes
Squelching ideas of solo traveler limits.
You were shelter for friends, family, five pets and I
Keeping us all safe, cool, warm and dry.
I was proud to grease your zippers and patch your holes,
That maintenance meant we'd met more traveling goals.
Thank you for your service my beloved tent
I was devastated when your poles were bent
In that Lake Mead wind storm your demise began
But last weekends broken door zipper was fate's last hand.
That and the rain you at last allowed in.
You had served so well up until then
Can you believe we camped at the Grand Canyon?
And in New York? What a great companion!
To the sound of Taps I marched to the trash your remains
Oh the memories of travel with you my heart contains
Thank you so much for being there my tent friend
I will miss you and remember you until my traveling end.

Have you ever mourned the demise of an inanimate object that was rich with shared memories?