DOGGIE

Child meets dog:
an encounter at knee level.
I watch the child in the stroller
as it approaches the dog.
Fascination fixes on his face.
A strong invisible force
seems to pull towards the dog,
and the mother follows.
"Doggie, doggie!"
The mother stops
and descends to the drama.
Nice dog.
It's OK, the dog seems to say,
you can pet me.
I'm a sturdy fellow.
Small arms reach out with
palms open,
flailing at the fur,
and usually end up hitting the dog.
Child squeals with delight.
Dog sighs.
A good deed done.


© Ellen Azorin