Just Before Sleep

to Ella Rose, rescued from a shelter 2016

Do you know that moment

just before sleep,

eyes barely open,

in a twilight consciousness,

still present, yet journeying

toward rest, perhaps to dream?

As we watch our dog, Ella Rose,

so tired after a hard run

in the snow, she can barely

stay awake. Her eyes almost close.

Then we speak. Ever vigilant,

she raises her head to pay attention.

We say to each other,

“Shhhhhh. Let her rest!”

Such a precious experience,

to witness her last effort

before she lets go, safe.

Soon deep asleep,

she barks, nose twitches,

full body quivers,

her paws curve

and tremble.

Can our sweet affectionate

Ella Rose, who loves to snuggle,

be chasing a terrified rabbit

to snap its neck?

Or may we imagine

she dreams the promise

of a domesticated “Greenie” bone,

a treat after her Kibbles dinner

she’ll toss in the air, shake, tease,

pummel with her paws,

then tear to shreds and devour

on our cosy flowered living room rug,

fierce as if she’s in the wild wild woods

where some rabbit, safe in its burrow

just now is dreaming a reprieve

from fleeing

for its life.