04/03/2023
A Circus of Dogs
They can be small as a flea or large as a cow—
There's the yellow lab, fur silky smooth
that lay in piles on the floor, dinner for the
pet vacuum that will whir across the floor
of Labrador fur at the end of the day.
She tongue-sponges my face with eternal
joy and her devotion seeps deep in the
sweet eyes of Gracie, the perfect pup
that gives everyone she meets so much love.
She sits beside the toy poodle looking
ever the giant she is and Bodhi low-grrrrrs
his displeasure at having his space
intruded upon.
His curly black hair, silky to the touch,
contrasts with Gracie’s like ebony and ivory.
In full Bodhi style, he slinks off to his corner
with a big huff, curls into a ball to dream.
His snores echo quietly with a slight whistle,
the sound of comfort and home.
Gabi, the tiny Yorkie sits quietly in the corner,
head low, shoe-button eyes downcast,
avoiding the ever-watchful Barrett, the teddy
bear of German Shepherds, wishing fervently
that she be invisible among these giants.
With a small whimper, she pleads to be
picked up, to keep her safe. I draw her into my
arms where she curls up under my chin, her
ears to my heart after first giving me a slushy kiss.
And what, after a long day with a circus of dogs
do I long for besides a quiet moment with a
nice glass of wine?
The low-pitched moans of a happy puppy and the
sigh and groan of contentment from another. That
makes me smile. Oh, how I love these simple days!
©GBerreitter
