Words bounce off the wall. Biscuit takes hold of them with hyperactive exuberance
up she bounds running in circles, spinning top, wind-up, yo-yo

deep from the belly, unmusical whining, she jumps into the car
she knows the way

alert—watching, her eyes dart from the ball to me. I raise the chucker, and
the ball catapults through the air. Neither the corralling pair of Border Collies

or the grunting Pugs distracts her from her target,
whistling towards the shore break. She races, skids in the wet sand

and, with the ball firmly between her teeth, plunges into the surf. Tumbling,
rolling waves wash over her.

All around are happy dogs leaping after each other, teeth embedded in
driftwood, rocks, tennis balls

she bounds back to me, shaking off the salty water
looking up, waiting,

I continue our walk. Biscuit dashes ahead, exploring large pieces
of driftwood, golden kelp, she greets others, noses touching, tails wagging.

It is in these moments I forget my stresses, residing instead in
the delights of her joyous world.

Photo by Jo Curtain