He bounds across the open field,

Joy bursting, heart pounding, free. 

An orchestration of motion and glee. 

The ball arcs high,

Careening through the air. 

He launches after it, his eyes locked,

Unstoppable hope, propelling him forward.

His long, lean legs glide ahead,

Dirt peppering the air. 

The thrill of the chase, his only desire. 

With a sharp, fierce snap, 

His jaw claims the flying trophy.

Caught mid-dream,

Triumph blazing in his eyes. 

He wheels around,

Thunder rolling in his stride. 

As he barrels back towards me,

Tail wagging faster than his heartbeat can keep up. 

I brace myself,

His joy is a force, warm and wild,

A surge of love that nearly knocks me off my feet. 

At the last second, he swerves, looping wide. 

He drops the ball at my toes, 

Looks up with bright, breathless hope,

To begin the game again.