The Afternoon Nap, by Jeannie E. Roberts

Master Bedroom, by Andrew Newell Wyeth (USA). 1965.

The Afternoon Nap

It could have been a motor rumbling,
dryer tumbling its damp load, or grouse

beating its spring wings, but it wasn’t--
it was snoring, and it draped the bed

heavily with dream. Between blankets
of breath, boughs rapped their rhythmic

spell, while the window yawned, cast
its radiant pattern. Rousing near master’s

pillow, jumping from mattress to floor,
tags touched, jangled, as he shook away

the fatigue. Here, with eyes pleased
to greet and paws poised to meet, his tail

brushed circles upon an invisible canvas,
awake for treats this drowsy day.

Jeannie E. Roberts

Jeannie E. Roberts lives in an inspiring setting near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where she writes, draws and paints, and often photographs her natural surroundings. She has authored four poetry collections including the most recent The Wingspan of Things (Dancing Girl Press, 2017). Her second children's book, Rhyme the Roost! A Collection of Poems and Paintings for Children, is forthcoming from Daffydowndilly Press, an imprint of Kelsay Books. She is Poetry Editor of the online literary magazine Halfway Down the Stairs.