The Kiss

The last time Mama took me to the beach, I met this other dog I really liked. He looked a little bit like me. We touched noses right where the water meets the sand. His nose was rough and wet, with the taste of salt. I saw the clear dark shape of him, a little flat, but we connected. I forgot the screeching gulls and the children in the distance. I even forgot my mama for a moment or two. Her voice blended with the shushing of the wind and waves. I almost felt that I was free.