WHEN WALKING WITH THE DOG

There is something therapeutic
and not to be disputed
when walking with the dog

the tightly coiled spring
the jumping and the din
when walking with the dog

the burst when off the lead
acceleration speed
when walking with the dog

the sniffing at the grass
and other canine arse
when walking with the dog

and will they come to heel
no shout or loud appeal
when walking with the dog

the stick or ball you fling
remains a distant thing
when walking with the dog

oozy mud or dirty puddle
never the edge always the middle
when walking with the dog

the thinking time you gain
the fresh air and the rain
when walking with the dog

plots you start to hatch
none the day can match
when walking with the dog

and in your dreams you may
travel far away
when walking with the dog

for journeys of the mind
need not be of that kind
when walking with the dog

you know where you have been
the people you have seen
when walking with the dog

and when you climb that hill
in front and running still
when walking with the dog

words cannot recite
the absolute delight
when walking with the dog.

the plea for more, the plaintive bark
the turning home before it's dark
when walking with the dog

And when your limbs grow old
you'll miss the muddy road
when walking with the dog

you'll still get an eager eye
the tilting head and sigh
when walking with the dog

the years may take away
the joy of everyday
when walking with the dog

and when you've had your last
they'll fly the flag half mast
when walking with the dog.

He will take the lead
and handle every need
when walking with the dog.