Poem of the Month

I walk through fog-laced stillness meet five El Dorado Pears planted decades ago they stand sentinel have survived storms, pear blight, fire one faces me branches sprout from its crown bend toward earth yellow leaves hang on long thin branches rustle in the wind moss moves between roots up bristly bark toward light

THe AncienTs

I reach for yellow green fruit lined palm meets smooth skin tastes the honeyed harvest before the blight was an El Dorado Pear so sweet?

sun melts fog spring forces fruit torn blossoms still underfoot

Susan Flynn is a poet, photographer and psychoanalyst living in Sacramento and Georgetown. Her poetry has been published in various journals. Susan is trained as an Amherst Writers and Artist group facilitator and this year, will facilitate writing groups for trauma survivors. “Seeing Begins in the Dark” is her first poetry collection.

Dog shows

Continued from B6 and Rally Trials at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28. At the shows spectators can:

• Meet and greet different dog breeds (approximately 800 dogs are entered each day representing over 125 different breeds or varieties).

• Learn about responsible dog ownership and speak with breeders, owners and handlers about topics related to dogs.

• Watch the judging of various breeds in conformation and cheer for your favorite.

• Delight in puppies getting started in the sport in the AKC Sanctioned 4 and under 6 Months Puppy Competition.

• Marvel at the handling skills of young handlers competing against their peers in the Junior Showmanship Competition (children ages 9 to 18 years).

• Observe owner-handlers compete in a special series called the National Owner-Handled Series. These exhibitors are striving for a spot in the finals at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando in December.

• Admire dogs’ understanding of commands as they maneuver hurdles and retrieve articles in obedience and rally trials.

• Cheer for the dogs in barn hunt competitions held all three days on the grounds hosted by The Gold Country Pet Resort.

• Check out and participate in an amazing raffle with 100% of the profits benefiting dogs through the following local, charitable organizations: Foothill Dog Rescue, Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, El Dorado Search & Rescue Council Inc. and Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of El Dorado County.

• Visit the dog show vendors .

• Enjoy a tasty snack and/or beverage from the food and drink vendors. Find full event details online at hangtownkc.org.