We found them in the meadow
near our favorite pond--
late March, Spring thaw--
anatomy lesson in the gray grass,
glaze of gristle at the joints,
miracle of vertebrae,
and a dusting of snow
on the few snags of fur.

Yes, dear, you saw them first,
and by all rights, they belong to you.
But don't worry. I keep them safe.
I lay them out and piece them together.
I draw them often: mostly by candlelight,
which deepens the shadows.
I touch them, again and again,
and bleach the high curves with light,
as my hand moves over the page,
in soft, searching strokes.