Irene Latham, one of the nicest people I’ve never met (and an amazing poet) is hosting a Wild 10 Year Blogiversary Celebration today. In honor of her blogiversary, she’s asked folks to contribute a wild-themed poem.
The wildest creature in my life is our new dog, Dakota. We’ve had Dakota for about two months–he was a stray Plott hound who lived in prison for 10 weeks, learning some basic commands and good behavior before being put up for adoption. I hope he brought joy to the inmates who trained him–he’s a sweetheart of a dog with soulful brown eyes and a penchant for leaning on anyone willing to pet him. Dakota inspired this poem, and Irene gave me an excuse to share some photos of Dakota. Thank you both!
Dog Days
A tang of sky
A sniff of breeze
A bark, a cry
A dash through trees
A track, a trail
A bound, a leap
A snug of tail
A ball of sleep
–©Buffy Silverman
Buffy–perfect poem, perfect summary of a dog-day! Eli, is a “leaner,” too, whenever anyone pets him. He curls into their legs like a giant C. What joy–and SO MUCH ENERGY–oy! I had never had a big dog (65 lbs) before we adopted Eli (part German Shepherd, part doberman, part noodlebrain), and didn’t understand that his head was SO BUSY that he simply couldn’t hear my commands through all that doggy A.D.D. I was told over and over that he would calm down when he was two years old;I scoffed. But sure enough, he turned two and walked through the Calm Dog door.
We who live with animals are surely blessed.
And we who know Irene Latham are, too. <3
What a perfect poem! Thanks for sharing it and for sharing the photos. It made for a wonderful post!
Oh that is adorable, Buffy and so fitting for Irene.
Thanks, Catherine–glad you enjoyed my poem!
Buffy, you have oh-so-captured the essence of DOG here! Loved learning a little more about your new family member, and what a great program for canids and humans he has come from. I’m with Irene loving the “tang of sky,” and that “ball of sleep” – perfect!!
Thank you, Robyn–it’s easier to write with inspiration curled up at my feet.
Awww.
She found her safe wild place with you.
Definitely one of those who rescued who stories…He’s brought a lot of smiles to us!
Great poem, Buffy! Dakota is a pistol, to be sure!
That he is, B.J. Thanks for stopping by.
Dakota is a beauty! Looks like it’s hard to keep up with his full speed ahead setting! Love those wild running photos!
I don’t try to keep up (just step out of his streaking abandon so that I don’t get knocked over!)
Lovely! So happy to meet Dakota.
Thanks, Liz!
Love meeting Dakota — wonderful poem, Buffy!
Thank you, Jama!
Congratulations on your new dog and lucky Dakota! I remember learning about the prison dog training program from watching Cesar Milan’s show. It’s nice to hear that the dogs are placed with families after their training.
It’s a pretty wonderful concept–apparently many seeing-eye dogs now spend their puppyhood in prison where they can get lots and lots of training time.
This is beautiful, Buffy. Love all the different moods of Dakota, and especially love your first and last lines.
Thank you, Laura (those are my favorite lines, too!)
Gah, I think I’m in love! Your post today is perfect in every way. Enjoy that big bundle of wild, Buffy.
Thanks, Michelle–we are definitely enjoying him!
Love that “tang of sky”.
Thank you, Dori!
Why are yawning dogs so cute? Great poem, Buffy, and congrats on your new family member!
Nice rhythm — it pulls you along like a darting Dakota 🙂
They are cute when they yawn, and when they’re curled up in a dog ball too!
You’ve made me want to run right over to pet Dakota, Buffy. What a sweet dog, and ‘wild’ poem for him & for Irene. I love that ‘snug of tail’, & that yawning picture.
Dakota would be leaning in, and asking for more and more petting Linda!
I loved every bouncing word, Buffy. Your pictures are great, too.
Thank you, Margaret!
Oh, Buffy, I am in love with Dakota! What a great story he holds. And now you’ve given him a “tang of sky” poem. I love it. Thank you so much for introducing us and for sharing in my blogiversary celebration and for being YOU. xo
And thank you for hosting all the wild fun, Irene!
Oh, Dakota! What a great story this dog holds… And now you’ve given him this tang of sky poem. I love it! Thank you so much for introducing us and for being you! xo
Love the ‘ball of sleep!” I know that ball too well, too – our Great Pyrenees is right here beside me!
Thanks, Matt–I’m always amazed at what a tiny ball this big dog turns into.
I love the “ball of sleep”! My grand-dog, Gracie, runs like Dakota does–with obvious wild abandon! It’s an amazing sight when she runs in long circles around and around and around and around.
It is so much fun to watch the wild dog run!
It’s lovely to see the wildness of Dakota!
Thank you, Ruth!