She was used to walking her dog, whose
formidable appearance and wild exuberance
made it a chore, extra strength leashes and
specialty halters aside, she persisted,
walking on, even when canine enthusiasm
passing all creatures with two or four legs
made adventure In patience and training.
One day he briefly looked up at her crown
of life showing all that is good for him and
she slipped a fine morsel between his bright teeth
and continued the walk as he trotted beside,
a tamed lion, adoring of gaze, no longer needing
resistant restraint, tethered only by petals
and leaves trusting only to love.