looking for joy

(I'm working on a collection of dog poems--I already have over fifty--so expect more over the coming months. Tentative title, dog paw magic.)

looking for joy

I need it for clarity
in turbulent times
it’s friendly here
while walking our dog 
neighbors stop to chat
community I count on
Jazz opens the way—
what is she? they ask
assessing her long, 
long legs    wolfhound?
I try not to laugh
she’s mostly hound,
but not near big enough— 
greyhound and Airedale
as Jazz wields her wiles,
draws them to stroke her,
we introduce ourselves
casual    and when we part,
my mood lightened,
I pat my emissary— 
joy at my side