I was awakened by the rain
sweetening the air
clearing the heaviness
of might have, should
have, could have.

It made me feel
lighter like five, ten
years ago when, despite
the heavy workload
every day had focus

purpose, a kind of joy
I imagine dogs feel
when the leash is removed
and they’re free to do all
those things dogs do:

sniff & canter & run
then plop down for a rest.
It’s as if they know that
into every life comes the need
for a Sabbath.

– Diana Rosen