Like An Old Dog

(Luna's last winter, 2020) Like An Old Dog 'Tis the season to be jolly and merry And all that, And I’m sure there are many Right now satiated And likewise content As winter settles in And the current year Soon becomes the old. But lately I’ve been feeling empty Like an old dog Happy to lay around Happier still to go for a walk Because even old routines Lead to freshness. But even then deep down Empty and uninspired Like an old tree Dormant and ready For a good blanket of snow Without a thought in the world For something as exciting as spring. And as I wander about the house Like someone on house arrest Fixing one cup of tea after another Reading one detective novel after another Nursing a persistent raw and tickly throat I think this is the real blessing of winter. The chance to hibernate Even when you don’t want to Especially when you don’t want to Enjoying the gift of feeling worn out Lethargic, empty and hollow With the suffering That makes it all worthwhile. It being the elusive something That can only come from nothing. Anyway, back to old dogs Laying around contentedly doing nothing. They don’t think like this And so stay in the moment No matter what it is. (12/27/23)