Invitations

The dog at the beach

invited us to play,

and it was as clear as

“Shall we dance?” —

The same ritual gesture,

the same kindling spark of eyes.

We know these signs —

We don’t need to be taught,

but we must feel

we are worth the gift,

and our would-be partner is, too,

so we don’t mask ourselves

or dodge the invitation —

So we can fling ourselves,

as that dog did,

into the bright, cold water 

that rose against her chest,

bringing us with her

into swift joy.

©Wendy Mulhern

October 17, 2013