348 hearts
"But he needs us," my wife implored
After all, two dogs were already our crew
and so we rescued Maisie-Mae —
the dog who went on to own my heart,
the gentle soul I never knew I craved
The spunky little fireball who melted my defenses
Once again my heart stretched wide,
and somehow it refused to crack
In fact, it only grew stronger
Wise woman — she conditioned me like an old pair of sneakers
with even grander plans in store?
"He's gentle and needs a home."
My days and nights swaddled in warmth and fuzz
"If not us, then who?" she pleaded
"That's it." I stayed firm, stubborn
"Open that heart just a sliver more…
I let out a sigh as those puppy eyes flashed my way
shyness forgotten, pure wild energy
"More like a Gizmo," I smirked.
If you're thinking about bringing a new dog into your family, please consider adopting from your local shelter or rescue.
Raj Tawney is a writer, journalist, and poet exploring the bond between human beings and nature through his multiracial lens. His poetry has appeared in The Iowa Review, San Francisco Chronicle, The New Humanitarian, and many more. He's currently at work on a memoir. Visit him at rajtawney.com
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