You used to shimmy
and show how much you loved
the morning scent of dirt
with your nose and awkward paws
scuffling leaves which crackled
when I walked you in autumn
we traveled miles together
each step more precious
than the last since I knew you better
each day and this is the day
to imagine because I want to imagine
your brown eyes like
snow globes against frosted windows
and the winter light they reflected
I want to remember you always as a pup
spilling hot mocha from glazed mugs
onto leather furniture when you napped on
a full belly which rumbled
while I listened to other things
and then you careened away dying
with a slow poison on your breath
but it was yours and so still smelled sweet
so now I imagine because I must imagine
your tongue lapping up honeyed spit
while you felt life running off
on legs stronger than your will
and I know that you wanted to keep playing
you were not even halfway done
but you left so know
I loved you as one
walking through dark woods
chasing leaves and dirt
with your paws clicking concrete
your long tongue rolling out
as you smiled your dog smile
and I remember that love is
a bright fleck of night
chasing a receding dawn.
