Good boy!

Wanna go for a walk?
The words stun his eyes in disbelief.
His tail stops wagging momentarily,
then lets go in a spasm of joy.
I reach for the leash.
His face lights up,
his mouth opens wide,
his little body wiggles.
Along the water,
he chases birds
prancing through the sand,
reminding me of a young spunky child
running and playing.
A sudden burst of
smoky barbecue scent
rides the wind
as it fills the air
and our noses.
He stands erect,
observing
everything about outside
as if savouring and keeping it
to enjoy as a memory.
Homeward bound,
we take no detours,
no stops.
He knows our final destination.
He anxiously trots to
our doorstep.
The door opens,
he steps inside
and is fast asleep
within minutes.

Alyssa Royce