The small wood boat slices through the lake;
beads of water fly like diamonds toward my face.
I look out towards the tree-lined shore
leaves turning orange, yellow and red.
The fall sun warms my face.
My best dog leans back against my chest;
he looks up and delivers a wet kiss of thanks.
It is the most perfect day of my life.
Circa 2002 ~ my sweet Airedale companion, Bentley