PADDY’S HOME

He waits patiently at the top of the stairs, sleeping

Waiting for the signal, a motion from others to alert

Others are his guard, his life, his responsibility, his home

Foots walk past him while he lays in his rested stance

His eyes open to quietly acknowledge movement

Yet, respectfully, he makes no other motion

Relinguishing his restful pose, he slowly responds

His senses awaken as those around him stir the air

Small sounds, at first heard, echo through the rooms

Gracefully, he stretches his front legs, long and lean

His mouth opens wide, yawning, his morning utterance

As if to say, I’m now awake to join with the day’s light

Ready to begin with the merging of our presences

His job knows no time, no limits, no judgments

The truth, he senses by actions, by heartfelt loyalty

He stays true to his purpose, never wavering, no questions

Nature is his bounty, reminding us of our bonds

His home is secured by his sentry duty, day and night

A clash of noise starts high and falls to the ground

He rises onto all fours, strong and sturdy, he lifts to prepare

Listening intently, he determines the source, the origins

Cocking his head, he hears no malice, no hate, no threat

A sound crashing through the air is replaced by quiet retreat

Now standing, his tail wagging, he walks to check the room

No matter the noise, he’s alert to discriminate the response

A single bark notifies all around his home that he is there

He’s aware, alert, ready to protect those in earnest pursuit

It is what he does, his sturdy body soundly made for his role

Thank goodness for Paddy’s clear, shining soul of true love

No words needed, his actions speak of pure consciousness

We are together and safe

Thanks to our loving Protector’s care

cmc 10/17