Heart of Whimsy !

When I was small and time moved slow, before I knew how much I’d grow, I followed footsteps wide and sure— a little heart, a love so pure. You were “Fella,” proud and neat, Mom dressed you up from head to feet. “Such a handsome little Fella,” she’d say, and the name, like sunlight, chose to stay. I thought it true, I thought it right, that Fella shone like morning light. I didn’t know of Adrien yet, or Andy—names time wouldn’t forget. But Fella played and laughed and ran, the boy who’d grow into a man. And I, behind, with eyes upturned, took in the lessons slowly learned. Now years have passed and names evolve, like echoes time will not dissolve. But to me, through every weather, you’ve been my Big Brother—always, forever.

Two brothers ran, so bold, so fast, Their laughter wild, their shadows vast. Through fields of green, through summer’s glow, They led the way—I watched them go. A little voice, a smaller stride, The kid behind who tried and tried. Too young to fight, too small to race, But never far—I knew my place. They rolled their eyes, they’d groan, they’d tease, Yet hoisted me upon their knees. For though they claimed I slowed them down, They’d lift me up before I’d drown. And watching close with knowing grace, A sister stood, her steady place. She’d calm the storm, she’d set things right, A guiding star, a softer light. She held my hand when nights ran long, She taught me words, she made me strong. With patient love and knowing eyes, She saw the dream I’d someday rise. The years passed on, they made their way, Two men at work, one boy at play. One built with steel, with iron might, One tamed the sparks, the coursing light. I watched in awe, I dreamed so high, Still chasing them beneath the sky. A...

(For my brother, who answered a call not his own) He did not seek the soldier’s path, Nor dream of distant war. The summons came, abrupt and cold, With grief still at our door. Our father gone, our hearts still sore, Another loss we feared— Yet off he went, obedient, Though troubled, yet austere. No hatred burned within his chest, No vengeance drove his hand. He bore a gun for others’ cause, To shell a foreign land. He did not question orders then— He dared not break the line. He bore the weight of duty’s yoke, And never called it mine. The medals came, a silent gleam, Then vanished from the day. He tucked them deep inside a drawer And let them fade away. No tales he told, no boast, no song— Just peace, his only plea. He came back whole, or close enough, And sought to simply be. So here I speak the words he won’t, In quiet reverence stand: A brother, son, a faithful man Who served at fate’s command.

Through years and hearts, their paws have tread, With love unbound, their spirits spread. A legacy of loyal grace, Each dog has left a cherished trace. The Family Canine Legacy Sergeant Chip, so bold, so true, A guardian strong, with eyes that knew— A silent vow, a steadfast might, A sentinel in darkest night. He loved Karen, stood by her side, A loyal heart, a source of pride. Scamp, the rogue, the trickster bright, A beagle? Perhaps—but oh, what flight! Through fences high and snowbanks wide, He’d dash with glee and bound with pride. Yet through it all, he placed above None but the joy of Karen’s love. Derek, brave, of shepherd kind, A friend to Kenny, firm and kind. Side by side, through days they roamed, In laughter’s light, their bond was honed. And Ruger, oh, the wily thief, Who’d steal a lunch beyond belief! Grandpa’s sandwich, gone so fast, A legend of the playful past. But when he left, the home grew dim, For love was lost along with him. Now comes Winchester, sweet and fair, ...