It is inhabited with loved ones...
memories of youth and growing...
occasions of maturation,
and sometimes...just a pet.
When Rosie left, she took with her
that part which I shall
never again possess.
Now, a cold-nosed, squirrel-chasing Sally
has taken root with me.
She is not instead
of Rosie...
She is because of her.
My heart has grown a new part.
It is resilient, and always seems
capable of this feat.
I am whole again, at least for a time.
Sometimes when Sally is in my arms,
I remember...we are never whole...
until we're parted.
