Through slightly cataracted eyes
A glint of happiness flashes
As I reach for the leash
that hangs from a hook
on the back of the door
Your nails
plastic-like clicking
on the hardwood floor
less sprightly than it used to be
but still, I associate that sound with joy
and I suppose I always will
We’ve engaged in our daily routine
for nearly a decade now
the wag of your tail
a little slower
your teeth tanning with age
are rounded and smoother
from pearly whites
to tiger’s eye
they tell the tale
of you and I
The pace has slowed
(for both of us)
but you still relish the ritual
Nose to the ground
intently sniffing clover and dirt
thistle and weed
the base of every tree and mailbox
a puzzle of smells
as you try to solve the
mystery of the previous day’s events
I used to tug at your leash
after a minute or two
when you were younger
and I was less patient
measuring my time
In meetings
and phone calls
Not frisbees
and thrown balls
But today I give you
all the time you desire
Because I don’t know
how many more walks
we have left in the bank
and a tug now
seems unwarranted
bordering on criminal
Sometimes
the wind kicks up
and you raise your head
towards that gift-bearing breeze
wistfully smiling
it seems to me
When we get back
you drink cool water from your bowl
find your bed
which has been warmed
by the afternoon sun
and lie down
Tired and content
you close your eyes
then open them
and then close them again
slower and slower
eyes open, eyes shut
until finally
you settle into a rhythmic rest
I will miss you when you’re gone
bendingtheneedle 