i am mostly not at work

i am mostly not at work.
i remind myself of this with each footstep on the gravel path,
the black dog romping ahead, tail wagging, not a care in the world.
the sun is not yet over the horizon, the clouds are bathed in pinks and oranges.
i am mostly not at work,
i remind myself when i lay my head on the pillow for an afternoon nap
filled with dreams of sugar plums and fairies, only to awaken
in time for a glass of wine on the front porch with my loved one
and the black dog, who has not a care in the world.
no, i am seldom at work, i must only remind myself of this
simple fact.