There are many things I would have

preferred differently.  A lifelong marriage,

happy endings to stories that could not

end happily.  A body not given over to decay,

no threats of loss of memory, a better ability

to feel and speak and listen and hear.

A more savvy provider.  A better father, writer,

friend, hunter, fisherman . . . the list is not one

I care to write down.  One more – one who

understood love better.  That the first and 

last item on the list.  May be the only one

that matters.

Hootism:  I am listening to birds; no translation needed.