Screen Door

He waits by the screen door Unsure if he's ready to leave Tempted by what could be out there Looming in a lazy mid morning Twice he glances in my direction Almost asking permission To leave me behind On his quest to find Some solitude in the dripping sun I am not dressed yet For my day to unfold And slide the lock from the door Granting him his freedom To wander about And without my overseeing I know he wishes I were quicker In my mundane chores So to join him ready to pounce On the wide eyed world Just outside the screen door He thinks twice and turns Giving me a slightly annoyed nudge And torn between rejection And affection Steps back inside To willingly wait That I might accompany him Sometime sooner than later