As/Is







6.09.2006


No one wants a dog to suffer

She said her dog died of a brain tumor.
Happened quickly, seizures one after another.
For years that dog sat between them
on the couch, they talked through him
and to him like the child they never - -

Saturday morning chores
after walking the dog
she'd go through the motions with her husband
in and out and inandout she'd lie
and listen for the dryer to buzz, think about
what she could use to remove the stains from the shower
years building up in the corners,
a small bruise beneath the skin.

They got a new dog. And some new
scented trash bags for the kitchen
that stretch and flex
and never tear.