Saturday, November 27, 2021

Poem: Wakening

Wakening

November 27, 2021

(C) Joe Black


First I feel their eyes.

     Staring

       Breathless

         Focused 

Before I yawn, stretch, and acknowledge their presence. 


In semi-darkness I reach for wayward glasses pulling aside cocooned sheets


     The touch of a wet nose

     The rush of air stirred by excited tails 

     Fanning the flames of in-between awakening


Whimpers of hunger, love and delight

Pierce the early morning fog 

Building to a crescendo

As they pounce- inches from my face


I breathe deeply and take in 

Small remnants of canine dreams

Running, chasing, protecting and reveling

In dog-yeared time:

    Seven-fold reminders of joy and devotion-

    A delicious invitation to life


I struggle to my feet and shuffle as they leap and dance before me

Eager to greet a new day. 


I reach deep into the bin and pour their food

Then, fetching slippers and coffee 

I give thanks for this dogged devotion. 

 

I am unworthy