Metamorphosis

He was so round and chubby, with sturdy little legs, Big brown eyes and silky black hair. He came into this world eager to take on all challenges: Life was an adventure! He followed me around, always underfoot. Big eyes would seek my attention, my approval. He ran, he chased balls, he tumbled. THe great outdoors beckoned him, and dirty footprints covered my kitchen floor. He yipped with delight, howled with sadness, made staccato demands. Then little by little, So quietly I hardly noticed, Changes occurred. THe chubby little body began to be sleek and lithe. It elongated, the legs stretching out. THe big brown eyes became watchful, wary. Gone was the awkward, stumbling run. He ran with grace, with such speed. Great, slow stretches replaced the eager reaching. He now roared with ferocity, demanding the world take note Of this new male in the territory. THe confidence, the aloofness; so different now. My son, my sweet puppy of a child, Grown into a catlike man Independent of me. Yet sometimes, the puppy returns, ANd lays his head in my lap, And looks at me with those big brown eyes That still melt my heart.