I like when you fall asleep
Next to me,
Your head resting comfortably
Under my beard.
Your body radiates a fuzzy warmth.
I can feel your chest rise and fall
With each slow steady breath.
I place my arm across you
Gently,
Being careful not to disturb your
Visible tranquility.
Right here is where home is.
Cars wheels on gravel and my arm is
Nearly ripped off as you tear
Out of the covers and leap
From the bed in a
Shower of little brown hairs.
The sound of your tiny paws
Skittering across the laundry room floor
Seems comical in comparison to
The ferocious barking that
Follows.
The neighbors must be home.
For Fred, my girlfriend's dog.