Beauty to a Dog

The new pup leaps at bent grass, heavy with winter’s magic
The joy of reaching or almost reaching keeps him dancing along the trail
From one frosted seed head to the next
The exercise is exuberant and lasts as long as the trail does.

His human is glad for this excitement and appreciation of nature’s toys
But wonders whether a dog can appreciate beauty.

For the human, this January morning hoar frost is a wonderland
With each new whitewashed vista and grass blade a marvel to behold and celebrate.
Wouldn’t every person ‘round the world come to peace
Or to God
Or to at least appreciate our delicate planet if they could witness
The intricate crystalline structures formed overnight on this farm?

The human’s heart is full.
The little pup’s heart is beating fast as well, but only from the exertion of the jump.

We are both happy.