The Dog

One Sunday, I walked home from church

with our neighbor.

He was rushing home between meetings

to take care of a new puppy.

(I was home for good.)

He said he hoped the new puppy would

teach his kids responsibility,

as well as love.

At first, I would see all four kids

gleefully walking the puppy each morning;

laughing and skipping,

walking, skate boarding and biking.

Eventually, I noticed Nate

was walking the dog with three children trailing along.

Then Nate and two children.

Then father and the youngest son

walking the dog.

Now as stand in front of my window doing tree pose,

 I see only Nate faithfully walking the dog

each and every morning.