Every artist needs a dog

Every artist needs a dog.

If you are a dogless artist, even if you are poor,

rescue one today 

and you will understand.

Dogs and art dig deep, pad dirt and patterns

and varying leaves onto your canvas floor,

wag their tails, even when asleep,

change dark and empty days, 

require without burden or with burden 

you are grateful for. 

Art and dogs know the who you are 

you may not even know,

that you are an artist, some kind of artist,

a precious part of all our walking.

The mindful being of art and dog 

is timeless, pure attention, 

sometimes with exuberance,

and always awakens love.