The dog at the beach
invited us to play,
and it was as clear as
“Shall we dance?” —
The same ritual gesture,
the same kindling spark of eyes.
We know these signs —
We don’t need to be taught,
but we must feel
we are worth the gift,
and our would-be partner is, too,
so we don’t mask ourselves
or dodge the invitation —
So we can fling ourselves,
as that dog did,
into the bright, cold water
that rose against her chest,
bringing us with her
into swift joy.
©Wendy Mulhern
October 17, 2013
wee!