Harmony

When we walk together you always pull me along,
like we should trot or run, be going somewhere.
But when I resist, you give up easily
and for awhile we find a relaxed rhythm, two parts of one thing.
I am uplifted then.

But in a moment we fall out of step and you pull again
as some lithe thing appears from out of nowhere.
Then your attention is for her with the long legs
lunging ahead of her lean body, ready for flight
as though she knows you are about to give chase;
Your eyes on your mark.

We lurch then like a faulty machine, a car out of gas.
You pull away, forgetting or not caring that we are attached;
and I clench my teeth as the pain spikes through my wrist.
But remembering who’s who here, I pull you back
While again you relent.

And you look at me with that sorrowful innocence
that implores me to forgive you one more transgression;
reminding me that you never claimed you were perfect
nor did I, in the beginning expect that you were.
Being with you was enough.

We are together again with the autumn wind at our backs
propelling us forward to a common destiny; we are simply We.
I feel you against my thigh as you step slightly ahead;
You guide me while allowing me still to take the lead.
It is perfect,
this dawn
this dog
with me.