Old dog sleeping in the sun
Dreaming of chasing rabbits on the run,
A master throwing sticks or a ball to catch.
His old legs are no match
For the days of yore when they romped and played.
He stretches, rolls over and finds some shade,
And he goes on dreaming.
His master, on the porch in a rocking chair,
Watches the old dog sleeping there.
Then he nods off and his dreams begin.
He sees himself as a young man again.
His youthful movements bring a sigh,
As he yearns for the strength of years gone by,
And he goes on dreaming.
On the porch swing sits a lady with hair of gray,
Her blue eyes straining to see the hills far away.
She, too, falls asleep and dreams of children at play
With a puppy in the midst of the fray.
Then a car door slams and awakens the three.
That signals the arrival of their family.
The old dog stretches and joins in the fun,
As they greet the family one by one.
Children and grandchildren scatter about,
And laugh and play, and sing and shout.
The old woman hurries to fill the table with food
As she gathers together their happy brood.
Each one of them finds his place.
They hold hands as the old man says grace.
The lively talk and laughter abound,
With the family all gathered around.
Soon the table is cleared and the dishes are done,
With the arrival of the setting sun.
Even though they hate to see them go,
It is time for the family to leave, they know.
Farewells are said as they pull away.
It’s the end of a perfect lazy day.
The old man and woman settle down in their chairs,
The old dog sleeps at the foot of the stairs,
And all three of them go on dreaming.
~ D Nally
