little friend if you truly knew me

would you look up so expectantly

so hopefully, if you knew

my limited strength, my weaknesses

my need, would you sleep so calmly

in my lap, conformed to the circle of my arms

you run ahead of me

in so many ways, you want to

let me know what is fun

you want me to let go of the day

and join you in this moment

and when you stray off in silly passions

you bear my imperfect correction

with avid repentance

my little friend you teach me all

of what you know, free of learning

free of arduous study and heavy doctrine

with your eyes and your wagging tail

your tongue-licks of minute assurances

you speak the truth knit in your bones

and so we go together, my friend,

into this good day.