Thank you, Theresa! I see you've discovered a new type of flow with this poem and you're exploring the loneliness theme here. Waiting for someone "to stop and say hello." Bittersweet moments!
The two of them stood there like tiny sentinels at the glass, heads tilted at the exact same curious angle.
Milo pressed his wet nose against the cool door, leaving a foggy smudge that he immediately tried to lick away. Behind him, Luna shifted on her paws, her red harness bright against her cream-colored fluff, ears perked like she was listening for something important on the other side of the glass.
They weren’t trapped. Not really. The lobby stretched behind them with its shiny tiles and soft rugs and the distant smell of coffee from the front desk. But something about the outside world - the sidewalk, the passing legs, the promise of squirrels - kept them rooted right here, staring out like children with their faces to a candy store window.
Milo let out a small, hopeful whine. “Do you see that? A leaf just blew by. A *leaf*, Luna. We should be out there chasing it.”
Luna’s ears flicked. She took one dignified step closer to the glass, then sat. “Milo, we chased three leaves this morning. And two plastic bags. And that pigeon that clearly didn’t want to be friends. I’m tired.”
“But what if this one is the *best* leaf?” Milo’s tail started its signature helicopter spin. “What if it’s the chosen leaf? The Leaf of Destiny?”
Luna gave him the slow blink of an older sister who had heard this speech many times before. “The Leaf of Destiny is always just out of reach, my friend. That’s its whole thing.”
Milo whined again, softer this time, and flopped down beside her. Their reflections stared back at them from the glass — two fluffy clouds with legs. Outside, the city kept moving: shoes clicking, cars humming, a distant siren singing its strange song.
Luna rested her chin on her paws. “You know what’s nice, though?”
“What?”
“We’re inside, the floor is warm, and nobody’s trying to put us in that carrier with the loud zipper. We could just… stay here. Watch the world from the good side of the glass for once.”
Milo was quiet for a long moment. Then his tail gave one slow, thoughtful wag.
“…Okay. But if a really good stick walks by, we’re going out.”
Luna’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Deal.”
A woman in heels clicked past them on her way to the elevator. She laughed softly. “You two are ridiculous.”
Milo sneezed. Luna flopped down dramatically, chin on her paws, still gazing out like a lovesick poet. The city moved on the other side of the glass, but for now, the whole wide world was right here - warm tiles, each other, and the faint reflection of two fluffy idiots who had everything they needed and still wondered what was on the other side.
And so the two poodles stayed right where they were...warm, together, and perfectly content with the view.
Thank you, Marpy! Never heard of the helicopter spin but I can see a clear picture of it. Love how you capture minor details and create memorable imagery with them. A true strength. Love the story of Milo and Luna!
The cell was quite spacious as these things go. Although the infraction did not warrant maximum security. Some property damage. Theft. Nuisance mainly. The incarceration largely based on an accumulation of prior sins.
No more iron bars these days. Tempered glass. Easier to keep an eye on the inmates. But no doubt about it, some awkward moments on conjugal visits.
Inmates indeed! There's a lot more going on here if you don't see the image as one reads your piece. My favourite line: "Easier to keep an eye on the inmates." Equal measure of observation and humor! Thank you, Scott!
This could be my neighborhood
Dogs and cats trying to be good
Stand behind storm doors
Naturally they are on all fours
And looking out on this world
Watching for boys and girls
To stop and say hello
A scratch behind ears would be so
Nice if the door would open
Your attention to lend
But the world keeps going by
Poor, sad animals just cry
Thank you Writer Pilgrim!
Thank you , Invisible T.
Thank you, Marpy !
Thank you, Scott !
Thank you, Theresa! I see you've discovered a new type of flow with this poem and you're exploring the loneliness theme here. Waiting for someone "to stop and say hello." Bittersweet moments!
Thank you, Caro !
Thank you, Bill !
The two of them stood there like tiny sentinels at the glass, heads tilted at the exact same curious angle.
Milo pressed his wet nose against the cool door, leaving a foggy smudge that he immediately tried to lick away. Behind him, Luna shifted on her paws, her red harness bright against her cream-colored fluff, ears perked like she was listening for something important on the other side of the glass.
They weren’t trapped. Not really. The lobby stretched behind them with its shiny tiles and soft rugs and the distant smell of coffee from the front desk. But something about the outside world - the sidewalk, the passing legs, the promise of squirrels - kept them rooted right here, staring out like children with their faces to a candy store window.
Milo let out a small, hopeful whine. “Do you see that? A leaf just blew by. A *leaf*, Luna. We should be out there chasing it.”
Luna’s ears flicked. She took one dignified step closer to the glass, then sat. “Milo, we chased three leaves this morning. And two plastic bags. And that pigeon that clearly didn’t want to be friends. I’m tired.”
“But what if this one is the *best* leaf?” Milo’s tail started its signature helicopter spin. “What if it’s the chosen leaf? The Leaf of Destiny?”
Luna gave him the slow blink of an older sister who had heard this speech many times before. “The Leaf of Destiny is always just out of reach, my friend. That’s its whole thing.”
Milo whined again, softer this time, and flopped down beside her. Their reflections stared back at them from the glass — two fluffy clouds with legs. Outside, the city kept moving: shoes clicking, cars humming, a distant siren singing its strange song.
Luna rested her chin on her paws. “You know what’s nice, though?”
“What?”
“We’re inside, the floor is warm, and nobody’s trying to put us in that carrier with the loud zipper. We could just… stay here. Watch the world from the good side of the glass for once.”
Milo was quiet for a long moment. Then his tail gave one slow, thoughtful wag.
“…Okay. But if a really good stick walks by, we’re going out.”
Luna’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Deal.”
A woman in heels clicked past them on her way to the elevator. She laughed softly. “You two are ridiculous.”
Milo sneezed. Luna flopped down dramatically, chin on her paws, still gazing out like a lovesick poet. The city moved on the other side of the glass, but for now, the whole wide world was right here - warm tiles, each other, and the faint reflection of two fluffy idiots who had everything they needed and still wondered what was on the other side.
And so the two poodles stayed right where they were...warm, together, and perfectly content with the view.
Thank you, Marpy! Never heard of the helicopter spin but I can see a clear picture of it. Love how you capture minor details and create memorable imagery with them. A true strength. Love the story of Milo and Luna!
I loved this!
The cell was quite spacious as these things go. Although the infraction did not warrant maximum security. Some property damage. Theft. Nuisance mainly. The incarceration largely based on an accumulation of prior sins.
No more iron bars these days. Tempered glass. Easier to keep an eye on the inmates. But no doubt about it, some awkward moments on conjugal visits.
Inmates indeed! There's a lot more going on here if you don't see the image as one reads your piece. My favourite line: "Easier to keep an eye on the inmates." Equal measure of observation and humor! Thank you, Scott!
Ha yes thanks, couldn’t resist!
That’s what I’m talking about!
Thank you for the ongoing inspirations and opportunities!
Who Dat?
“Who dat? Who dat”. Who dat?”
“What are you barking at Missy?” inquired Max as he turned his attention away from the door.
“Who dat? Who dat? Who dat?” Missy was squealing at full volume.
“What has got into you girl?”
MIssy got louder.
“Seriously. You are kinda overdoing it, don't you think” he barked at her. Something was moving at the corner of his vision. He turned quickly.
“Be gone. Be gone. Be gone,” he barked loudly, joining Missy in a chorus.
“What’s up guys?” Ray asked as he rounded the corner into the hall. “Holy moly! A black bear!” he yelled as he slammed the door shut.
“Told you so,” said Missy haughtily as she walked away.