puppy
dog tired
Is it a bad sign when it’s not yet 9:00a.m., there is still coffee in the pot, and more than anything you just want to go back to bed? I figure it is too early in the day to call it a nap. Puppy was up at 2:30a.m., sometime between 4 and 5, and again at 6:30a.m. That’s when I got up, planning to stay up for the whole entire day. The previous times I took him out, then back in, took him out and fed him and back in… In between I kept rekenneling him and going back to bed. I must have slept. Each time I was there long enough to have crazy dreams before being awoken sooner than I wanted to be from the dog sounds coming through the puppy monitor. For the record, there was a thirty minute walk in there too. Alas, no back to bedding, no napping. Not for me anyway. That dog?! He’s sawing logs, happily curled up in the family room, where the TV is blaring a dog themed show, and the rest of the family is done with breakfast. It’s Spring Break here. Day 4 of No School. Woof.

under the maple tree
distracted by those robins
they are everywhere
hopping on the ground
and not too worried
about this growin’ fast pup
sing your song

sing your song
with a tweet, tweet, tweet
and may it be
sweet, sweet, sweet
pleasing to the eyes and ears
as you share your heart
without any fears
sing your song
like the peaceful dove
coo, coo, coo
trilling from a perch above
sing your song
like the robin true
chirp, chirp, chirp
a sign of spring anew
sing like a cardinal male
so bold and strong
with a lighthearted lilt
to your song
try not to be a crow
CAW, CAW, CAW
from the treetops
about all YOU know
sing your song
like the smallest sparrow
peep, peep, peep
perched on wire narrow
sing your song
alongside birds of a feather
as you find one another
and sing together
My paternal grandmother was an avid bird watcher. My grandfather her ever faithful chauffeur. She kept her eyes peeled for first time sightings as she traveled the world. She also savored the visits from feathered friends to the feeders she kept filled at home. I notice the birds and their songs more, now that I’m spending so much time outdoors with the puppy. I’m thankful for that time spent under the sky above. It’s thinking time. Pondering time. Drink in the world time. Puppy playtime too. Recently there were five robins a bit surprised when Blue barreled around the corner, into his yard, and woofed them over to the neighbors.

and in the brief moment
that I stood at the window
gazing at the sunrise
that same pup found a sock
under the la-z-boy recliner
he thought it’d be a nice snack
I disagreed
so out we went
at 6:50a.m.
for a walk around the block
me in my pajamas
mismatched ones at that
and polka dot rain boots
because like a firefighter
boots are easier to slip into
than tennis shoes that tie
especially in the dark
of technically morning time
when puppy less people
are sleeping
I’m caring less what others think
and doing what suits me
I guess I have the puppy to thank
for my growing nonchalance
as well as the moonlit, starlit, sunrise walks
that we’re going on
together

this morning I tried to go back to bed at 6:00
it is Saturday after all
but he woofed
that pup of ours
because he didn’t want me to miss the sunrise
it’s a beaut too
glowing soft peach at the horizon
blending upward into the palest blue
with wisps of pink clouds
for another dash of color
fading now
into regular morning colors
but I managed to wake up in time
to savor another sunrise

Sunrise over the backyard at 6:50am.
On a Saturday.
Been up since 5:00.
I am A Dog Mom now.
He woofed.
My feet hit the floor to let him out.
You know.
To go.
Stayed up.
Might as well.
Morning is here.
Loving the coffee.
And the Puppy & Me time.
He’s A Good Dog.
My Blue.
Just as well I didn’t know
That it was only ten degrees
Until AFTER our 20 minute morning walk
He’s ready for a nap now
Smart Boy that he is
Of course it’s as my other boys are waking up
The two smaller ones
And the big one
The sun is rising higher
The sky is brighter
Saturday has Officially Begun
Thursday afternoon
I have a big sweet puppy dog as a foot warmer.
We just came in from a thirty minute walk on a gray, rain spittin’ day.
There is another hour before it’s time to pick up the children from school.
I may rest my eyes for just a bit…
Or write, while the puppy is still, and my house is too…
Quiet, except for the ticking if the clock and tapping of the keys.
I am thankful for warm toes and this great big baby canine, napping at my feet.
brrrrrrrr
I can’t get warm
from the outside in
which isn’t like me
to feel shivery
and chilled
from every little draft
brrrrrrr
I’m not eatin’ ice cream
or drinkin’ an icee
I’m not wearin’ shorts
or goin’ barefoot
brrrrrrr
I’m just cold
even my nose
like that sweet pup
the one I’ve been
takin’ in and out all day
in gray drizzle
with gusty winds
brrrrrrr
wearin’ three layers on top
fleece sweatshirt included
fuzzy slippers too
I coffeed up this mornin’
may need to try hot tea next
or just call it a night
and get under the covers
soon