Matthew R. Callies

Spiral of a Happy dog

The dog arrives already smiling,

a tumble of curls with a calendar full of joy.

Your quiet house begins to loosen its shoulders.

Nothing this soft should move this fast.

 

A tumble of curls with a calendar full of joy—

you learn the grammar of the springing paw.

Nothing this soft should move this fast;

even the furniture seems surprised.

 

You learn the grammar of the springing paw,

how every sock becomes a temporary myth.

Even the furniture seems surprised

by the bright weather following room to room.

 

How every sock becomes a temporary myth—

your quiet house begins to loosen its shoulders.

By the bright weather following room to room,

the dog arrives already smiling.