Good Neighbor

Met the neighbour this time alone pulling away

his new dog from the amorous advances of mine.

My husband varies in explanation for the reason

of  his ruddy complexion and erratic moods.

Our talks about dogs when his wife is present,

are friendly and relaxed, their  dog  as is ours, a rescue.

I let the dogs settle down but mostly reassure the couple .

He invariably at first sight of us tries to drag the little bitch

to the street and  I endeavour  to detain him each time.

This evening being without his wife he would have

 none of it; reverted  back to form it would seem, 

no learning curve except on my part that is,

 learning the  pretence of being a good neighbour.

The evening walk was not a total loss though

 little dogs managed a meeting, fleeting as it was.

 It was dusk, sun imbued clouds with lilac hue

 I gathered  a cluster of lavender flowers in my arms

  In the absence of the proprietary buzzing of bees,

 with that peculiarly dusty smell of Provence.

             

                                                                                                                                       Antonia Baranov