Welcome Home

I've been gone for quite some time now
Hugging me by the waist
Trying to lay a grip with your paws
Low eyes disappearing into thought.

A pat on the head
a wagging of the tail
Jumping here and there
Gnarling, nipping my leg.

One at a time please.
You'r hair is all loose; you're coming of age.
Stop jumping up and down
I won't be leaving again just yet.

But you'll have to let me go out -
I will be back, you shouldn't worry.
Your snout held back by the rails
barking angrily at me.

Tomorrow we'll play
I have the soccer ball
Don't worry
I'll still see you in the morning.