An Old Friend Says Hello

Morning walk.

A big white stray I’ve never met before

Abruptly puts his paws on my chest.

No wagging tail,

No lolling tongue,

No panting,

No doggy grin,

No wet-nosed kisses.

Strange grey eyes

Gaze into mine.

“We know each other,” they say.

Standing there,

I stroke that big head for a minute,

Acknowledging a deep bond.

I never see him again

And I don’t need to.

But I understand that

No matter where I go,

No matter who I am,

My friends and I

Shall
Always
Find each other.

Thank you,

Old friend,
For reminding me
So beautifully.

________________________________

I first wrote this in January 2007. Is it a poem? You decide. This is an accurate account of an incident that actually happened to me on a morning walk, and the thoughts that flashed through my head then.