A Visit With Pepper

A friend has a great dog which is the best therapy when depression and anxiety become too much.

Her mind continuously residing in

The Oneness

She needs no drum nor herb

For shamanic knowing

My presence at lobby door

Far below her

Thus awakes from napping

Awaits me at apartment door

This beautiful creature 

So fearful of children 

Childlike, jack-in-the box joyful

Leaps upon me, dances

Twirls me to the sofa

Where I must sit so she may

Snuggle down into a 

Semicolon of winter furred love

Her long Sheltie snout over thigh

Releasing a huff of contentment

Every visit

An unchanging ritual of riches

For the heart

Reviews

[ETERNITY]

I love the way you take the reader on a journey
before you reveal the subject of the poem.
What a nice surprise!
"A semi colon of winter furred love"
That is so awesome you feel that way.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you both for reading and for commenting.

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful. It warms my heart.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Thomas

[John the Baptist]

Animals lack the ego sense that humans have, And this leaves them uninhibited and open to the simple but also profound things that life offers. Indeed, we could learn from them.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks John. You make a very good point. You know I find it quite interesting that in so many ways our pets act better and differently than us, dogs in particular can be so open and loving, yet again they can demonstrate our bad traits. My friend Diana once or twice a week “babysits” a friend’s dog, Opal and if I attempt any interaction with Opal, Pepper becomes extremely jealous, pushing Opal away, even though the two dogs are the very best of friends.

[Lara]

I am unapologetically opiniated about this one, sun bear: one of your finest submissions here at WC!
A beautifully portioned scatter and keepsake pinch-pot that is Pepper ✨️

[Michael Sun Bear]

Bless you Lara, your praise is appreciated!

[Chad]

It’s a tender, soulful tribute to the bond between human and dog, showing how ritual and companionship can soothe heavy emotions. The poem succeeds in being both personal and universal, and with a slightly stronger ending, it could leave an even deeper imprint on the reader.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Chad. It is kind of a throw away ending. The poem was something light hearted I wrote pretty quickly, I have been surprised that so many of you have responded; I may have put more time into it. I wanted to comment on two things, the obvious one being the love between pets and humans. But also I wanted to comment on the apparent ESP I have witnessed repeatedly in both dogs and cats, and I tried to creatively express that.

[Davidgeo]

Have you ever heard of a movie called Valhalla Rising? It feels like a 90 minute cold shower. Based on this poem, I think you might like that movie and the "cold shower". (listen to butthole surfers "pepper" to warm)

[redd Brick Keshner]

Reminds me of my Nana's little Pekingese pet named Pepper as well.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks for reading. This Pepper is named for the appearance of her puppy fur.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful photo of Pepper and I love the very positive effect she has on you when you visit your friend. Heart warming. A lovely tribute to man’s best friend. I have Solo. She loves me unconditionally. Dogs and cats can be marvelous therapy. Enjoyed the read Michael.

Chris

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Chris, is there a story behind Solo’s name?

[Chris Shaw]

We didn’t name her Michael. She didn’t come to live with us till she was four years old. She is about thirteen now, an old lady:)

[Desert Knave]

A beautiful write. One of my parents' cats is pretty much a lap cat and the best therapy I know of. ~Jim

[Michael Sun Bear]

I had a border collie as a kid, but my entire adult life I lived with cats, am a “cat person” and need to write a short true story about the last cat I ever lived with, Jake, a truly remarkable being.

[petec3638]

My father in law was a gamekeeper and had working dogs
Pam could remember four of them.
read moreMy father in law was a gamekeeper and had working dogs
Pam could remember four of them.
She had two concrete Springer Spaniels a Black and white and a liver and white
She intended to paint them with the original markings.

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

A fab poem on a furry friend, subllime style woah.. kudos!!

Plz also read and comment my newest poem here

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks for reading, I will check out your work.