Sitting on cool granite Sun streaming warmth upon me Capturing an image of a stalwart baby pine Relishing the peace The beauty The generous gifts of nature I drink deeply of healing mountain air Startled then Panting Rapid panting A warm body pressed against my back Wetness now on the back of my arm Twisting my neck Only to see a snout, Brindle coat wrapped tightly Encasing protruding ribs She was not seeking attention in the way of other dogs But neither was she acting aggressively She just kept returning Seemingly wanting proximity Remaining nearby A black lab joined her Antennae attached to a collar Hip bones visible through midnight coat Panting Asking for what? Petting seems foreign to them both Neither good nor bad Not insisting upon nor rejecting They remain nearby The lab choosing to squeeze between my friend’s chair and mine Again, and again. Choosing confined space Over the open acres surrounding us on this mountain Eventually she responds to touch Leaning in, asking for more Shyly though Garmin collars banded around their necks Working dogs Digging into wet soil Seeking refreshment A truck barrels up the mountain road Our companions respond to a whistle Back to work Be safe my new friends Be safe Shattered Silence Saddened Soul Did they feel love? If only for a moment Did they know love?
Crumbs for the Journey 