I've been loved by dogs.
Drowning once, breathing water,
Abigail appeared, uncalled,
brushed me
offered her tail
swam me to safety
sat beside me while I gulped
wondrous dry air.
Licked me one wet kiss…
you'd do it for me you know.
And I would.
I've been loved by dogs.
Molly, who loved both
children and turtles,
crossed a river with me
in deep cold winter water.
She caught on a submerged tree,
unable to go forward,
unable to go backward.
Only treading water
tiring.
I swam into that coldness.
Lifted her up.
Buoyed her to shore.
Kissed her once.
You'd do the same for me you know.
And she would.
I've been loved by dogs.
Cinders, that wonderful Chihuahua.
Two German Shepherds
stalking me,
ready to teach me
their alphaness.
That tiny black blur attacked
retreated
attacked
retreated
over and over
and over again.
With their blood
taught them all about
loyalty
sacrifice
bravery.
Looked at me with those straight-up ears.
that smart face,
You'd do the same for me.
And I would.
Much later in her life...
and mine...
a speeding car
on a windy mountain road
at dusk
headed for her unseen.
So tiny
so smart
so loyal.
A dive.
Scooped into my arms.
Not thinking,
a roll into the briars.
Screeching brakes.
A close miss,
but safety.
I told you you'd do it for me.
And I did.
A dog is not a dog
is not a dog
or, maybe,
a dog is a dog is a dog
is a dog.
Nothing truer lives.
I've learned
loyalty
kindness
friendship love
from
Abigail
from Molly
from
Cinders.
I've loved dogs.
I have touched purity.
