This is Frannie.

Frannie’s mother wanted some photos of her, to give as a Christmas present to Frannie’s dad, but Frannie’s mother couldn’t keep it a secret from Frannie’s dad.

So… Merry (early) Christmas, Frannie’s dad.

dog

by Valerie Worth

Under a maple tree

The dog lies down,

Lolls his limp

Tongue, yawns,

Rests his long chin

Carefully between front paws;

Looks up, alert;

Chops, with heavy

Jaws, at a slow fly,

Blinks, rolls

On his side,

Sighs, closes

His eyes; sleeps

All afternoon

In his loose skin.

(The title and poem above are from the book, Love That Dog, by Sharon Creech.)