I go slowly
in the forest
at night.
barefoot
under old suns,
with cool earth,
and the quiet.

or mostly quiet.
here she comes crashing
back onto the dirt trail,
heavy happy panting.

the dog
the joyful noise.

footfalls echoing out
to leaves and air.

she drops her stick near my toes.
this wild desire to seek and find,
to hunt for what she has
in the trees and brush.

standing below the canopy,
I can't ignore her.
I take the simple prize and throw it.

again,
she's off into the dark.