An Ode to My Sundog

Carmela feathertail,
Little queen of canyon and valley,
your dainty paws cover many miles
in a heartbeat lope.

How untiring you are, always
interested and in love with the world.

You are my bright sundog,
Coyote of the moon,
Wolf made of starlight and straw.

How graceful your leap across the wild things growing!
How noble your sweet summer smile!
How earnest your voice, even when you are telling tall tales!

I would change nothing of you at all,
except that you might live forever,
young til the end of time.

All I can do is promise to hold you in myself.

Greatest friend, gentlest companion,
you are half my own soul.