In your big warm hands
and in the smell of cigarettes
and that cologne you wear
that clings to the nice suits
that seldom touch your skin

I find that here
there is only safety
and the crushing guilt
that has always forced
my head down
and my shoulders to curve
on myself to hide
just how many scars
are visible on my face
-I find it gone,
suppressed,
blinded,
by your light
and your warmth
and I forget
its taste in my words
and its shameful existence
in my core
And I only care to be
embraced and devote myself
to you

I sit on the bed
with my dog sleeping near
Her breathing uneven
then soft and sincere

Then scruffy and staggered  
and rough in her throat
Then even and smooth
a whisper calm note

Tiny little grunts
in rapid succession
A toss and a turn
punctuate each expression

Of what does she dream
my dear little Twister
Romps in the park
with her golden haired sister?

Sensing things we can't see
And the things we won't hear
And loving us despite
all our faults and our fear


How much do I love her?
well that’s quite hard to say
But I'm quite terrified
of her going away

Where else can you find love
that lives just for you
Panting and happy
when you come into view?

When they speak of devotion
it’s of this that gods speak
That gloried validation
we desperately seek

And she’s here everyday
rain, sleet or snow
In unspoken commitment
to go where I go

How unworthy am I
of this ritual caring
That greets me with glee
just for appearing

So much love for so little
does not seem quite fair
But she gives me her all
without bother or care

Oh doggie dearest doggie
promise we'll play forever
For we’re bound by a love
that no god can sever.