Mostly he's outside
back by the garage
his black nose visible in the dog house door
On sunny days, he lays in shade under the maple.
But he always faces the house.
Eyes on the clouds
waiting for rain.
Eyes on the clock
waiting for night.
Ears all alert
waiting for tears.
Never any warning
but he's in the house --
sneaking in with the mail
a phone call or too much cake.
He stays, uninvited, for days on end
leaving behind dirty laundry
breakfast-cereal suppers
and too much computer time.
Eyes on the clouds
wait for the sun.
Eyes on the clock
soon comes the morning.
Ears all alert
listening to friends.