I remember Laika

I remember Laika

The warm sun and wind keep winter at bay
but it is time to say goodbye to Laika, the dog
the new face of the moon.
The farewell can’t be delayed a boy has run to
the outer field sits on a stone tries not to cry
the struggle to accept the unavoidable.
Dark cloud from the North where nature is solemn
there is no hint of gaieties in their towns’
architecture
Winter hearts will dispose and scatter misery
protestants do not allow for lofty dreams.
The wind is cold, new rules people must work harder
the almond tree must stop flowering in mid-winter
spreading unseemly hope over the planet.