[Critique Group 1] Sally's July submission

[Sally Rosenthal]

EACH DAY A BLESSING

 

 

The jangle of her collar and

The click of toenails on the kitchen floor

Flood me with relief in the pre-dawn.

Today will not be the day I wake my husband

With the news his service dog has died. 

Nearly fourteen, she has survived another night,

Rising, albeit stiffly, despite the indignities of old age. 

 

Her soft muzzle touches my hand expectantly

For the biscuit I offer each morning. 

Following a crunch, her nose sniffs my hand again,

Her tail thumping against a cabinet as

Another treat slips into her eager mouth.

Two old ladies with their quiet ritual

Of biscuits and coffee greet the dawn.

 

Her nose insistently bumps my arm for a third treat.

I give it, along with an admonishment of  

"No more!" in mock severity, showing empty hands.

 

She licks my fingers in thanks or

In search of crumbs and pads down the hall

While, smiling, I reach for my mug.

 

 
Sally Rosenthal  

 

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