My Favorite Pet
I was a lanky pre-teen
with course, thick blond hair
on that hot summer day
when mom, sister and I
rode in our station wagon of gray
to see our potentially new Collie pup
A mere 4 months old
love pouring out of her eyes
as she ran up
A thick, shiny fur coat
and 4 toothpick legs
Like a connection I never felt before
in so many ways
For 7 wonderful years, Shelby brought light
to my darkest of days
took "me" for long walks
slurping cooked noodles the craze
all the neighbors knew Shelby
on Mulberry Lane
Towards the end of Shelby's days
her light started to dim
I knew the end was near
as tears poured from my red. swollen rims
16 years later...the course, thick hair and lankiness gone
her unconditional love lives in me
and I no longer feel alone.
Pick A Pet Contest - sponsored by Francine Roberts 7/5/2011
brimmed eyes
squinting against the noon brightness.
gloved hands
wiping the salty drops away.
denim moving
with the lankiness beneath.
strong lines
rising as the maul swings