DOG

The dog jumped up and locked its eyes onto mine

Stared into my soul

And brought tears to eyes

That can no longer connect

With those of the little dog 

Who bumps into my legs-

And who doesn't hear a word I say

Who runs around in directionless circles 

Convinced she's headed somewhere.

But there are times when

She sits and sniffs the air around her-

Waiting for recognition and familiarity to kick in.

Then she knows exactly where she's going

And what she will find there.

She doesn't need eyes for that

And sound is unnecessary-

And the circles will keep for later.

That is what the dog who jumped up on me today

Reminded me of

And that is why

I held that dog's gaze

Until the tears dried.