At the speed of Charley (poem)

Moving at the speed of Charley, one summer
The warm sunny moments of his life
Barking against the wind
I’m used to his vocal shenanigans
Warning me and mine about imminent danger
About any stranger walking our country road, hooded and alone,
Travelers curious about the Dome, near our home
Maybe wanting to pitch tents and count stars
Charley shows no fear when it comes to the shadows cast by fairytale bad guys
But catch him during a good thunderstorm
Thuds against fierce moving clouds
Thor’s hammer knocks on our roof
Charley crawls under the nearest warm hand, shaking, quaking
Belying his courage, even the Husker kerchief he likes to wear
Finally taking refuge next to my wife’s leg
The next day, he’s out again, no leash, only freedom
this time greeting a fierce badger
In the cool lush stocks of the cornfield
Another dog, to play with? How could he know?
He once zoomed by a baby rattler barely giving it glance
The apathetic slithering beast was more concerned about getting across the road—lucky
A little faster than that squished toad—not so lucky
Charley continued to check his pee-mail, and to deliver more messages
On those other days, during breaks on the homestead’s front steps,
He sleeps, legs in motions, replaying memories of chasing after giant tractors
And trucks, the hawks, squirrels, the deer that happen by
He’s realized they are friends, and now he just says hi
Walks, running, along the dirt road, dust raises up around his paws,
The goat heads stick, causing him to limp, like a gimp,
Tender and hot, he seeks relief diving into a wide irrigation ditch
Wet and muddy, it cures his itch until the next day out
Back home, such joy, with his girl, and his boy
He nuzzles his muzzle into blankets atop their bed
A full stomach from his dog food goes unsaid
Whines and snores, she adores
When the sun and colorful sky comes back into view
His sleepy eyes race out the door
Moving at the speed of Charley!