Simple Pleasures

A poem by Mala

Life is full of simple pleasures.
Running through long grass
With a stick in my mouth.
Rolling in deep, cold snow.
Catching snowballs tossed in the air.

Curling up on a soft bed 
By the fire on a winter's day.
Chewing the end of a bone, 
Until my sister steals it away,
And Mom hands me another.

Chasing a ball, and better yet, 
Catching it in the air,
And the praise from Dad.
He throws it again,
Further this time so I can sprint.

Getting hugs from Mom
And giving kisses to Dad.
Spending time with family,
And just being at home
Where I know everyone is safe.

Stopping to sniff low bushes,
Even though my parents are coaxing me
To continue jogging along the trail.
Heading back to the car, 
Where a treat awaits.

Lying down in a cool stream
On a hot summer's day.
Relaxing on the paddleboard,
Then running along the beach, 
Chasing waves away.

Going on long hikes, 
And climbing on rocks.
Making friends at the dog park.
Getting muddy,
But not the bath after.

Stretching into down dog pose
Whenever I rise from a nap,
Or Mom rolls out her yoga mat.
Just to show her, 
I can do yoga too. 

Poking my nose in the toy pile,
Pulling out an old favorite
And playing tug of war with Tessie.
Chasing her around the couch
When she gets it away from me.

Sunning myself on the deck
While Mom taps away on her laptop,
Knowing it makes her happy that I'm near.
Taking an afternoon walk,
Trotting along off-leash.

Going on adventures.
I’ll go anywhere,
As long as we're together.
The greeting from the cats
When we return home.

A crunchy kale stem,
Carrots, apples and raspberries, 
But not spinach or blueberries.
Cleaning my bowl of all of the food, 
Knowing Tessie will check for anything left.

My parents say I'm a happy girl,
Always smiling and full of exuberance.
I bring them joy.
The truth is, I just understand 
The importance of simple pleasures.