A Ritual of Love

(For Ollyver, the one and only dog I ever had, a miniature Eskimo)

As shadows fall, he lingers through the night
and looks out to the street, his muzzle pressed
against the windowpane; he sees the light
as I drive up. He lifts a snowy chest.
Excitedly he yaps and leaves the chair
to bound around the corner where he waits
to see the door swing open. He’s aware
I’ll soon appear.  He never vacillates,
but leaps into my arms when I come in,
then licks my face and jumps back down again.
Were dogs to smile, he’d wear the biggest grin
as I stoop down to satisfy his yen -
(a tummy rub)! While on his back he lies,
he watches me with pools of love - his eyes!

7/3/11

For Royal's the Furry Friend Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Watt Avatar
September 15, 2020 at 10:40 AM
That phrase "He never vacillates" really sticks with me. That, and "Ritual of Love" underscore the impact that a wonderful dog can have upon our life. They are faithful, steadfast, constant. Their affection can always be counted upon. I love this, and I can see why you miss him so much. Have you ever told me how you chose the name Ollyver? I'm curious how you chose the spelling. Hugs ~ John
A  Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 9:20 PM
Andrea, nice to see your furry friend win. Love SKAT
Gasun Avatar
May 12, 2016 at 1:02 PM
I can imagine how lovely your dog is with this very beautiful poem my dear friend, Andrea. I love it so much and so enjoyed reading it. Thanks a lot for sharing and Congratulations as well on your lovely win! Hugs and cheers! Thanks as well belatedly for coming by on my poem. Sorry for my late expression of gratitude 'cuz was so busy with my work and esp. for assisting my bro. who spent 54 days vacation with me. Again, Thank you so much and have a great day always! love lots and big hug,Leonora
Callus Avatar
May 7, 2016 at 7:22 AM
I have always known you as a cat lover, Andrea; losing this wonderful friend and companion must have been hard to accept, maybe that's why you did not get another dog. ~ Congrats on yet another win:) Regards ~ paul
May Avatar
May 6, 2016 at 9:48 PM
Wonderful write...Congrats on your win
Ninja Avatar
May 6, 2016 at 9:09 PM
Andrea, adorable. thank you for the entry =(^.^)= RoyalT
Scars Avatar
May 6, 2016 at 8:46 PM
awwww I love this contest!! Sooo cute, love this poem and I love Ollyver! Congrats on your placement in the contest :)-luloo
Horsman Avatar
September 19, 2012 at 7:12 AM
another catch up poem for me here, just lovely so lovely, Andrea...soup mail
Smith Avatar
August 19, 2011 at 2:14 PM
I have a dog, an Eskimo Spitz, and your fine poem fits her perfectly. Congratulations on this win, too.
Wesley Avatar
August 5, 2011 at 10:35 PM
He sounds so special and who can resist the love of that special woofer.
Babcock Avatar
July 15, 2011 at 5:35 PM
YES, the dog is always ready to greet you when you walk thru the door. After we lost our dog it took a while to get used to not being greeted at the door. love phyl
Mehta Avatar
July 14, 2011 at 7:40 AM
My congratulations on this win in the contest of Francine, Andrea
Dufresne Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 3:17 PM
very nice Andrea and a well deserved win congratulations to you
Johnson Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 3:08 PM
Congratulations Andrea. I'm glad to find this one here. Love, Joyce
Kendrick Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Congrats..Sara
Quigley Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Enjoyed this very much Andrea. They fill our lives and ask for soooo little in return. Congratulations on your win. BobQ
Devonshire Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Ollyver sounds adorable and loving, Andrea. Congratulations on your win in Francine's contest! Love, Carolyn
Horne Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Many congrats on your win, Andrea : ) A lovely tribute to Ollyver
Brown Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Congratulations on your win in the pet contest today Andrea. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Congrats Andrea on your wonderful win with this precious piece on puppy so loved.. enjoy my friend.. a treasure...
Roberts Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 8:51 AM
beautiful sonnet Andrea, congrats on your fourth place win in the contest
Horne Avatar
July 7, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Awww, this is such a lovely piece on your Ollyver. He sounds adorable
K. Avatar
July 7, 2011 at 8:01 AM
I could definitely feel that love between you and Ollyver, Andrea, shucks, he sure seemed like he was such a special one, so sad for you you had to give him up, but he sure was lucky he had you-- I can just imagine all of this, wonderful sweet sonnet for Ollyver... hugs to you again :)
Zzzzz Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 2:17 AM
A warm and wistful write. Good rhymes and good poetic language...I love the "pools of love" line. You certainly like your contests, Andrea, and why not; you are so good at them! I'm sure this will wow Francine! Love, Robert.
Johnson Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 9:03 PM
love is sweet with doggies neat,and adoration lingers:) great poem babe,xo, Don
12
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