Introduction:

My New Year’s Resolution has been to write more. I’m hoping to finish a novel this year — I’ve never completed a lengthy work of fiction before. But when I sit down to write, I keep ending up with poems. Instead of fighting it, I’m giving thanks that God has given me any words at all. I’m thinking of perhaps compiling these poems, essays, and photos into a poetry book. Maybe something about the lessons in faith my furry friends have taught me? I could call it something like “Pawprints and Prayers.”

For now, I present to you dear reader, this little piece about the joy of walking with my dear friend, Wesley the Dog. His joy is contagious. We rescued him from the humane society about two years ago, but I like to say he rescued us.

On Walking the Dog: A Poem

Dear Friend,
I must ask you– who is walking whom?

You are all eager exuberance!

My two legs race to keep up with your four feet

As we stumble together down lonely roads

What do you see that my weak eyes cannot?

What do you smell that my nose can’t sense?

Your delight in the leaves

And the wind

And the sunset

helps me to see God’s creation anew.

The way you lap sweet fresh water reminds me that you were wild once

I think that is why we are such dear friends

There is something in me that is untamed, too.

Our hearts are tethered together, you and I

Come along, dear friend

The sun is setting

And the house is warm

Leave the woods behind and remember

Freedom is only sweet when there is a home at the end of the adventure.

RLH

1/11/2025

If you would like to read more of my poetry, you can check out my chapbook Through My Good Eye: A Memoir in Verse