grand finale Mouse brown hair I see the tuft of mouse brown hair Just over the table top. Bouncing wildly As he makes his way to me A puppy tearing through a Stand of grass. He breaks cover, Smiles, Stretches arms for me. Quiet for long? No way. I will accept what he gives. His love is true. A minute we sit Before puppy energy takes him off Off my lap Off to explore the world Nothing ignored Nothing untouched. This child, I miss Long before the tuft of mouse brown hair Disappears behind the couch. —Stephen Foster 46 GRAND MAY 2009