a dog's life

she lies on sun warm wood
relaxed yet alert -- aware

jaws snap at flies venturing near
ears twitch at rustling leaves

brown eyes scan the yard
hoping for a rabbit, perhaps

or maybe for me to go inside
her chance to run, be free

off around the yard she goes
nose to the ground, tail held high

returning outside my call is too late
she lopes across the street

following a scent or idea unknown to me
calling her again is futile

only time will bring her back to the porch
to lie in the sunshine once again