Wet Morning with a Black Dog

Poetry by George Heiring

Washing on the line hangs limp soaked through by unexpected rain that came near midnight, a storm of howitzer exchanges rattling windows, fluttering shades, stabbing the

Painting, "In the Eyes of a Dog" by Laurie Adams.

unwary night with daggers of lightning, illuminating flowers embedded in the wallpaper I never before noticed.

Rain spattered the sill, moistening my arm as I lay awake, awaiting the storm’s full fury.

Now tree limbs I need to trim are too heavy and too wet, unmowed grass too sponged to cut, so I linger over strong coffee that will someday fray my nerves, stroking the head of a lean, black dog that hunts squirrels.

She coaxes my hand with her long, smooth muzzle until I rub behind her ears. Then she looks at me with adoring dark eyes like a person I would like to know.

The rain comes again, this time with soft approach and timid beat. It is not a good day for trimming trees or cutting grass or chasing squirrels. The dog and I are grateful the washing will not be dry until tomorrow.

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The late George Heiring was a frequent contributor to Lakelife during the years he lived at Lake Oconee. He helped found the Georgia Writers Museum and was active in the Greensboro Writers Guild. This sweet story is from his book, "Turning Leaves", and was reprinted with permission in Lakelife magazine, Volume 19, Issue 4. No portions of the story or photo may be copied or used without written consent from the Lakelife publisher. Turning Leaves may be purchased online at georgeheiring.com or at the Georgia Writers Museum or The Eatonton Messenger Newspaper office in Eatonton.