Life Could Not Be Better

You came into our lives a spark. A blur of chestnut red, Igniting us with canine love, And nestling by our bed. Chasing swallows in the park That teased you in their flight, Relentlessly you chase them still. In the fading springtime light. Every time I make the tea, Teaspoon clinking in the mug, I feel your paw around my leg captive of the setter hug. I take you into work sometimes But you’re not always compliant. Nudging my elbow with your muzzle Sniffing each and every client. When, bleary eyed, I rise each day A drum beat from the sofa Peaks as I descend the stairs, From our dishevelled, four legged, loafer. With head bowed low, the “trophy trot” Announced my kitchen blunder. I’d left the butter on the bench A prize you had to plunder ! On our summer twilight walks You stand and raise your paw, If dawdling rabbits dare to stray, Gun dog rising to the fore.. Sometimes I have to leave you Shut the door, put on the sneck. I glimpse those brown eyes widen Just like “Puss in Boots” from Shrek ! You have a penchant for my socks They disappear most every day, I’d love to wear a matching pair But you have stashed them all away. On lazy Sunday afternoons Lying peacefully asleep, The noise of next doors wheelie bin Soon pulls you from the deep Then with scamp and scatter Scrambling to the patio door, Take your position by the fence Bark like you’ve never barked before ! I never would have walked the miles Seen the seasons come and go, On every walk, see natures wealth, Red gold sunsets fading, glow….. You are always at my side I know life could not be better. A bond so precious and secure, I am blessed to own a setter. Copyright © Mike Miller