Petting a Dog

You join me on the couch
Curled up in your favourite spot
With one of your people
Petting you is supposed to be relaxing
Often I can’t find the relaxation
Petting you consciously
Like a task to be completed
Tonight is different
Finding the relaxation in the texture of fir
Softness of your ears
Absentmindedly petting your head
Playing with your floppy ears
Finally finding elusive relaxation
For both of us