Sweet Bea

Step outside the back door
To a world that is bright and brisk
Pink petals
Lining the dirt path
Bea has made from
Running
And
Running
In circles around the house
Fast
No grass has a chance
Of growing there.

Plop down on the handed-down
backyard swing
Without so much as a
Look!
Jump up to brush off
Debris
Just leaves and twigs
No slimy slugs this time
Who knew
The dampness would have taken such a toll?

Shiver one too many times
Put up my hood
My back adorned with the stars and stripes
The name of the school
Where I taught
and laughed
and always had a song in my head.
<We’re responsible, we’re respectful, and we’re safe – Hey, we’re the best!>

Finally she comes running
To the back where I am
Almost runs past me
Does a double take
And then comes over
Ears back, restlessly pacing
Pressing her backside into my legs
Wanting
Needing
Comfort.
What is going on at the front of the house that I can’t see?
What dangers are lurking that I am unaware of?

Now she has a beloved stick in her mouth
Ready to play
The danger has passed
For the moment
She lies down to chew her stick
Peel the rough bark off
(Good job, Sweet Bea
You are your own doggie dentist!)
Now I know she is relaxed and
I can do the same.

Suddenly hungry. Need to feed
My body
And mind
And soul.
Which comes first?

Pause on the back step
Turn around
Tip my head back and look
Toward the brightness
On cue
The clouds part
And I close my eyes to the sun
As my world turns red.