This special place

National Poetry Writing Month -- a poem a day for April 2013.

Day  9 

Written after yesterday afternoon's shift at the dogs home, where I work to clear my head, which gets stuffed full of words and writing -- 
and I end up writing about that as well!

‘This special place…’

I secure the double gates, and

it is just me and the dogs.

They welcome me with barks and wagging tails.

Worries and cares stay outside this space,

this special place;

in here it is all for them.

Some lie in their runs enjoying the sun.

They all rest quiet.

I open each pen in turn.

Two, three, sometimes four dogs are

free to roam in the lush grass together.

While I clean and tidy their beds,

fill bowls with fresh water,

they are happy to wander with their own kind.

I make time to be with those who seek human company --

play fetch with the young ones who run and jump,

scratch heads and fuss the older, slower, visitors.

I move along the rows, steady-quiet.

I love to make the beds,

take out the old, put in new,

     - the fresh warm scent of hay -

make it deep for the cosiest nights.

They all settle down again
as the sun begins to sink

…  the evening meal will be here soon.

I clear all the rubbish to the bonfire

.. watch the flames for a while ...

and secure the double gates

… as I leave them to their world.

 

http://www.napowrimo.net/