Happy Poetry Friday!
We’re taking care of our niece’s dog for a couple of weeks. Anna is a twelve-year-old Great White Pyrenees. She is a big dog, but very gentle and sweet. It took a few days for all of us to adjust to the other’s rhythms, but I think we succeeded. I was so happy to have a burst of cold weather accompanied by two snowstorms this week – a special gift for our special guest. Anna is a guardian, securing our property each morning with a walk around the fence line. All she asks in return is some attention and a soft place to rest. We are happy to oblige.
I’m reading The Wonder of Small Things: Poems of Peace and Renewal edited by James Crews. Throughout the book, Crews intersperses “Reflective Pauses” that invite writing and reflection. In one, he suggests focusing on a plant or animal and exploring it with curiosity and wonder. During the past week Anna has offered lots of opportunity for observation.
Anna
she trots into the yard
long fur flowing
feeling all the feels
nose in the air
smelling all the smells
rabbits beware
there’s a new girl in town
in this place, this space
this temporary home
she will claim as hers
forever
Draft, 2024RoseCappelli
White on White
like a polar bear in snow
white on white
searching the surroundings
lingering
just a little longer
Draft, 2024RoseCappelli
Robyn has the roundup today on Life on the Deckled Edge. Please join her for a celebration of tea and lots more poetry fun.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I’m glad the recent weather was a gift for at least one creature! Our mantra is “there’s no bad weather, just the wrong clothes” (or some such) which is to say that if you dress for the weather, you won’t be uncomfortable out in it. Anna has that down pat!
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Both poems stir good feelings for Anna. “Feeling all the feels, smelling all the smells” seems so rhythmic…I really enjoyed that… and the warning to the rabbits! And I “liked” the simile of the polar bear I the second poem, especially with the photos. Thanks for writing and for the background info on Crews’ book.
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Gorgeous writing!
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I’m reading Ted Kooser’s COTTON CANDY and noticing his notice of “small things”. Maybe this will be our Feb zoom focus 😊
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Thanks for the title – I just put it on my reading wish list.
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I love that book! And Ted Kooser in general.
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These are beautiful (as is Anna!). I particularly like the second one. It invites us to linger, even as it describes her lingering.
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Anna is such a beautiful guest/muse/guardian!
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Rose, Anna is such a beauty. She has inspired such lovely verses. When I saw the photos I thought of a polar bear too. Then I was delighted to read your second poem. Fun post. Enjoy this sweet guest while you have her.
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My brother had a great white Pyrenees years ago, Rose, just as you described, so, so sweet! I enjoyed reading you tell about Anna and imagine you will miss her when she returns to her own home, both of you ‘feeling all the feels’. Your niece will love your poems!
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Rose, I love that dog! Great White Pyrenees are gorgeous. I have heard that they can be very protective. So nice of you to allow her to spend time with you. Your two tributes to your guest polar bear are perfect!
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Love that polar bear dog in snow. 🙂 Hope you are enjoying the Crews book. I really loved it!
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Yes! I love the Crews book. Thanks again for the recommendation.
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One of the gifts of a dog is to see cold and snow with joy. That’s a great winter coat she has–white on white, polar bear in snow is a perfect description.
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Rose, a new dog visitor in new surroundings-something so special that you wrote a poem for Anna.
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Aw, she’s beautiful! We’re dog-sitting our adorable dog-niece, Pumpkin, just for a couple days. As you said, different rhythms. but joy! Lovely tribute to Anna!
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She left today and we miss her already!
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Looks like she made herself quite at home with you all! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous, XL-size guest with us in your words and photos. Keep warm!
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Rose: You are so kind to invite her in! I always wonder what dogs experience in their world of scent. Your poems give me insight! Thanks…
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