Puppy Love by Kerri Seyfert

I’d wear your name

around my neck

doing whatever I can

just to keep your attention

          keep you happy

you patted my ass

and said, “that’s my girl”

while I was resting my head

on your chest

and you pet my hair

while we watched tv

Do I whimper in my sleep

because I’m dreaming of you?

chasing a squirrel

I’ll never catch

my tail between my legs

clueless

that you only brought me home

until the unfamiliarity fades

and I’m just like any other

new bitch

destined for doghood

and now

I still run to my window

at the sound of a car honking

hoping it might be you

because even the dog’s legs shake

when you leave