The Gentle Reminder

The heat from the coffee mug warms my hands,   
sending a slow current through my body   
to fight the chill   
of the morning hardwood. 

My eyes skim the to‑do list   
piling higher   
 
Beside me, the dog snores without worry,   
his furry body rising   
and falling,   
rising   
and falling. 
 
I look at the list again,   
then back at him- 
so certain,   
so loved. 
 
He stirs,   
brown eyes blinking open,   
joints creaking as he stands.   
He presses his head against my knee,   
tail thumping,   
waiting for my hand. 
 
There is a quiet peace 
in the way he looks at me,   
 

His warmth settles against my leg,   
and the morning quiets around us.

 
So I set the list aside   
and spend a moment   
with him