In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April.
JUST A SCRATCH ON THE BUTT
by Audra Query Lawlor
I watched him lazily cross the street
his dirty white coat matted with debris
and turned back to my board
fitting this and suiting that
until the dog was at my side
panting from the trek down the dock
lumbering, he wagged his tail
at me or at the sea
I do not know
he smelled of a lifetime
of deer tracked forests and crab strewn shores
of romps through meadows, eelgrass, & kitchen doors
yet he stood there
cloudy eyes eager for communion
waiting for my tentative, reaching hand
just a scratch on the butt would do
Thank you. I like this. Ah, the stories he could tell.