I burrow my hand into the thick fur
on the back of your neck
you relax and breathe a long sigh of relief
we've come a long way
since the days you let out a tiny growl
when I tried to hug you
and the days I cried exhausted
from all your shenanigans
when I picked you up as a puppy
you had bite marks on your tiny head
and I thought: "poor baby's been bullied
must be the runt of the litter"
only to see very soon
you were the fiery one all along
with the coolest star shape on your chest
you were the toughest of them all
now my hand will only find
your plush elephant you let me have
I won't smush your cheeks anymore
or leave lipstick marks on your forehead
I won't wake up to your howl at a rabbit
or step in a puddle of drool
and I will wake every morning
still thinking it's time for your walk
© coldscars