Hello, Glenn,
This is really cute! It's a charming and heartfelt poem. You've captured the emotionally resonant moments, and they flow nicely.
One suggestion I have is that the poem’s structure might better reflect the dynamic activity you’re describing. Your current lines feel quite static and end-stopped, which contrasts with the fluidity of the scene. I wonder if loosening the punctuation a bit and reducing self-referential statements ("I") might enhance the poem’s liveliness and immediacy.
Here's one possible revision, to take or leave as you see fit:
Quote:
Walking with My Dog
She rubs herself against my shin,
which glows her fur to shinier black.
My students’ themes on Hester Prynne
will still be here when we come back.
I snap the leash and off we go,
to sample scents from bark and weeds. ("vacuums" sounds slightly mechanical; something softer might enhance the scene.)
We wander through the trails we know,
and she takes all the runs she needs. (Reducing the self-conscious "I" puts more emphasis on your dog.)
She shakes with joy, her face aglow
with gratitude for this clear call (Removing "I think" keeps the focus squarely on your dog.)
of happiness. Her features show
a pure and loving faith. So small,
deprived of words, yet she can say
enough to show me how to pray.
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These adjustments are aimed at enhancing the active, fluid nature of your narrative while putting your lovely dog firmly at the center of attention.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful, Glenn—good luck!
Cheers,
...Alex