Every young dog needs an old dog in it's life

The old dog sways, sinks

my wild leggy pup, drops

in deference

his hound hips

stilled

to play with jaws and gentle paws

on the cushioned grass.

My pup learned gentleness, deference and respect from old dogs.

Interestingly he sees the young dog inside the old. He once met an old dog on the street and danced around it wanting to play. I asked its human companion if the dog had great spirit when young, and they confirmed it most certainly did. Age is just a failure of body. The young dog still strong inside.