A Walk In the Woods

A WALK IN THE WOODS Ode to a Beloved Pet I go for a walk through the woods today and Jack is by my side We find a place of calm and peace – he is the perfect guide. We do not rush, we take our time – we have no place to go We enjoy each other’s company – that’s all we need to know. I find it quite relaxing as we just stroll along And clear my mind of busy thoughts and hum a little song. We take this walk most every day – it makes us both feel good. We clear our heads and think calm thoughts – ambling through the wood. For neither of us needs a leash – it is our special time To meditate and search our souls (and perhaps to find a rhyme). He runs ahead and then returns to see that I am there. And I rejoice to see my friend run free without a care. There have been studies I have read that point to a clear fact That interacting with a pet can help you stay on track. It seems that in some mystic way they help reduce our stress – That modern curse of commerce of which we all need less. It seems to me that this is true for as we take our walk The sharing of our special thoughts precludes the need for talk. When I see Jack just dart about exploring here and there It fills my heart with constant joy to know how much we share. I am getting older now – seventy years to be exact. But the slowing of our walking pace does not affect our special pact. Jack is eight but as we know our friends do not live long And I dread the day that comes too soon when he will not tag along. For Jack gives me unfettered love and someday that will end. And I do my best to earn that trust from Jack – my special friend. I go for a walk through the woods today and I say a special prayer That God will make me worthy of the trust and love we share. Michael Hoban, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of the City University of NY He can be reached at profhoban@msn.com.