The Walks

 

I hear the pitter pat                                

of the rain on my hat                                

and the hiss                                   

as the drops                                  

hit the grass.                                 

My sodden jeans cling                         

like a rain-soakéd thing             

to my legs                                       

as I stride                           

down the path.                             

The dog rushes by                                            

with a glint in his eye                              

as he startles                                                        

some birds                                                             

into flight.                                                               

There's a shriek of delight                 

from two girls at the sight                    

of the dog                                                              

dashing 'round                                                     

in the rain.                                                  

Water drips from his face                    

he's a total disgrace;                             

mud speckles                                                        

his body                                                                  

in spots.                                                                  

He chews on some wood                                

as only he could                                                  

stripping bark                                                       

from the branch,                                                   

then runs on.                                                                     

Then later that day

in the usual way

the sun sets

and the night

gains domain.

We walk the silver path

that winds through the grass

as the clouds

pass the Moon

up on high.

The raindrops that fell

upon tin rooves, leave a smell

of eucalyptus,

fresh grass

and dank mud.

When the walk is complete

I dry the dog's feet

then sit down

to reflect

on the day.

The dog eats his food

then adds to my mood

by settling

down on

my lap.

Then we both make our way

at the end of our day

to our beds,

where we dream

of new walks.

~