Hayduke

My best friend saved my ass countless times
consoling me simply by being present.

Yesterday it was time to take Duke on his last journey.
We sat in the grass warmed by the morning sun
with his head on my knee,
waiting and trusting in each other.

It was his time to transition to the next phase of
eternity.

Doctor Hansen said Hayduke will fall asleep and feel no pain.
He didn’t include me in the feel no pain part of the conversation.

Eighteen years ago John headed west, settling in Heber, Utah.  Focusing on the environment and giving back to community soon became as natural as his beautiful surroundings.  Departing the corporate world in 2006 John immersed himself in a year of graduate studies at the Teton Science School, Jackson, Wyoming.  Place-based education opened new perspectives on nature and spirituality.  After graduation several seasons were spent as a wilderness therapy guide and conservation corps crew leader.  Mentoring to these “kids” remains one of his proudest achievements.  

Today John saunters throughout much of Wyoming and the Colorado Plateau migrating seasonally between deserts and mountains.  Priorities include living in the moment and understanding/reflecting on the natural world.