Dog

I have loved you with my whole heart. 

I have touched your eye lashes with my finger.

Rubbed the cracked pads of your yeasty paws. 

Have said everything would get better. 

Have lain down beside you on hot limestone, insects drowsing around us. 

Have followed you to the door as you barked. 

Have seen with you through the rain and stillness. 

Have felt the sweetness in your shoulders. 

Have wanted to wake you out of love. 

Have imagined the world of dog democracy.

Have seen how your eyes do not overlook anyone’s happiness. 

Have seen how you’re more elastic than any rubber band. 

Have seen how you leave claw marks instead of poems on our door.

Know you hear stars fall with a bell clap.

Oh my dog you who live in the water shine museum where no light ever disappears.