My Dogs' Friends

As I walk in the morning, now solo since my dog departed
over the last few weeks I have noticed more the wildlife
or should I say they have noticed me.

The possum on the wire overhead
took a few mornings to get my attention in the moonlight
but finally I paused to see what was so important
I just wanted to tell you, said the possum, just to inform you
You are not alone each morning, the dog used to stop and chat
as you walked along the road, we spoke of all things
until you called her away, to catch up to you on the bend
Just wanted to let you know, I miss her also, she was a friend
I always wondered what my dog did as I walked along!

The horses followed me along the fence, braying, asking
I stopped to greet them good morning, the look in their eyes
a question from their heart, where's the dog they asked
She is free I said and that was understood, they galloped off
kicking and prancing in a tribute to their departed friend
I always wondered what my dog did as I walked along!

I lifted my head after I had picked the bottlebrush from the tree
You startled me I said as I looked into the eyes of old man kangaroo
He looked me straight in the eye and sat back on his tail,
twiddling his thumbs
We stood there, both realising the calm of the moment, not afraid
Something passed between us in the moments we shared
The memory of a young dog chasing the roos in the paddocks
The German Sheppard who bounded like a kangaroo, it was a strange sight
He still stared at me, old man roo, and in an instance I knew
That he would miss her too
I always wondered what my dog did as I walked along!

So now I no longer wonder what my dog did as I walked along
Her friendship with all the creatures, great and small
has only left me with a sense of her compassion for all
If only mankind could heed the lessons of the animals
To live as one with nature and care for each other
We would live in Peace, without any fear.

Janette Nicoll

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