Two Creatures One Season

Two creatures. One season.
Each with graying muzzles,
spines slightly bowed;
connected by a long leather strap
extending from the hand of the one
to the collar of the other;
not necessary really, as they traipse
the early autumn sand
left by the damp retreating tide;
for one has no desire to prance ahead
as in older days of springing steps
and summering smells. They are,
as we should be, content to keep pace
with each other,
in quiet and consequential company,
facing together the darkening sky
and the wintering wind.