The Guide Dog and Her Man

He squints and frowns
in tones of unknown light
Reveals what could amount to sight
in shadow shape worlds

He dreams serene in headphones
Her eyes invite perpetual scenes
Deceptively in limp repose
lifted lobes of velveteen, nose restless

Curves athletic carved
precisely by her willing work
Dark head and back
buffed treacle-sleek by his caress

Springs on haunches when he stirs
Dignified complies to harness
Ducks the briefcase
Launches into loyal march

Servant risen uncontested
on the charts of pride in duty
Bound calm and beautiful
to her master’s side

Sumangali Morhall
March 2005