Shelter Dog

The sky’s dank, drippy, gray dreariness

mirrored my mood

as I drove to the shelter

that predestined day.

It seemed ten years of trouble and tragedy

had crushed all joy.

Alone late nights searching a blue screen

a tiny voice far away whispered,

“That’s the one.”

The image– brindled, curly tailed– not a beauty,

yet there was something familiar

and hopeful.

They brought her out to meet me

under cover from the

bone-chilling down pour.

Had two years of shelter life hardened her heart

behind those sunken eyes?

She was pensive, not playful,

very large and long limbed.

Gracefully she approached and allowed a greeting.

Maybe, maybe her?

questions and uncertainty

And then the Miracle.

As lightly and gently as the final page turning,

delicately placed paws on shoulders

The briefest instant but certainly

the Creator’s caress.

Cars and doors and going home

Then over and over singing

a song about sunshine and happiness.

The heavy grayness began to recede.

A lifeline, thin still, but visible.

Sent by Love and Grace.

Covered with brindled fur and curly tail

by Dolores Henry