In Dog Years
A Poem | Note of Gratitude | May Discount
In Dog Years
My dog and I are roughly the same age, forty-two, give or take a few years. I’ve lived half a lifetime. She's been here only six years. Bleached fur rims her gold face and when she darts across the lawn, her legs wobble. In the morning light— she follows after me to the vanity. Bright eyes looking up. As I glare at my reflection in the mirror, she doesn't mind the wisps of gray growing in with my auburn locks. Every day is the same—eat, walk, stretch in the sun. Golden fur brushed with love. She lives as if it's her first year on earth.
Dear Reader
I’m so glad you’re here taking time out of your day to read and engage with my poetry. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to connect with so many like-minded creatives writing on Substack. It feels like a close-knit community. And, I also know there are readers on the other side of this platform I may never get the chance to meet. . . I’m grateful for you!
I’ve been writing consistently for five years and the process of writing and improving my craft is one of the biggest joy’s of my life. If my poems and essays have inspired you to pick up a pen and write—then I think In the elements is succeeding in its aim and highest intention.
My hope is that each post will be a bright spot in your week—offering solace and delight—and hopefully sparking some of your creative pursuits.
A dog’s chin resting on your arm is such a warm feeling🥰 Love the picture and poem.
Kassi, "she doesn't mind the wisps of gray growing in with my auburn locks," that line is the gentlest mirror. And then the closing lands like a breath: she lives as if it's her first year on earth. The whole poem is an invitation to that kind of presence. Dogs teach us what we keep forgetting. Absolutely beautiful.