my black dog

she's waiting patiently
tail shifting back and forth
feathery hair shining soft

her eyes are filming over now
but she can see me better than most people
i know

her hearing seems to going off
she doesn't bark as much
when a stranger knocks

we have walked and run
played in the morning
played in the rain
entertained the neighbourhood kids
and those in our family

she doesn't even seem to mind the cat
much

and when i get to the door at night
and unlock it
who is first to greet me
as if she is really smiling
having missed me

who is happy with a simple feed
one or two treats
and a stroke in between
she never seems to be judging me

who knows when i am feeling low
and lays her head in my lap
all warm
for a stroke and a cuddle

sally
my black dog