Mornings With Reese

Dog’s head volleys left and right, right and left, Watching the world through her window’s lens.

I imagine her thoughts and interpret her barks and woofs:
‘I could catch that truck, given a chance,’
- I don’t think you really want to find out, Dog.
‘That cow doesn’t scare me...who does she think she is?’
 - About 800 pounds of anger, on the hoof.
‘Wait...that bird is sitting in MY yard? Blast off! Be gone!’
 - Plenty of space, Dog, and she doesn’t listen to you.
‘Can I go outside and play with that dog walking the lady?’
 - No, Dog.
‘That squirrel is mocking me! I must scare it off!’
 - Seems that way, doesn’t it? I don’t think it’s scared.’

A cocked head, raised ears, a final woof,
Warning all takers that she’s the neighborhood watch.
It’s a bluff, not serious; just for show.
Then, a sigh, as she thinks,
‘Maybe you’re right.’
She doesn’t look at me.
The ears fall, the head lowers, the body settles.
Her mouth rests on the couch as eyes follow the passing cars.

She turns, slowly, with a sad look on her face.
She oozes from her perch and slinks,
Feet padding across the floor,
Head rolling slightly side to side,
Following the motion of her legs.
She looks up at me as I sip my coffee.

The show over, she hops up on the couch next to me.
She gets her ears scratched, her head rubbed,
Encouraged, ‘There’s always tomorrow,’ girl.

She settles in next to me,
Curls her tail by her nose,
Closes her eyes and breathes deep.
One eye opens, looks, checks:
‘You still there, person?’
 - Yes, Dog. I’m here. Rest well. I’ll watch for squirrels.’
The eye closes,
Breathing settles.
I sip my coffee and rest my hand on her back.

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