Puppy Love

sores spitting up on her bare back
parasites clinging to the last hair
on her droopy ears
little bald chubby puppy
sitting forlornly by the country road

did she lost her mom
to the roaring man-made monster
on the road
or was she thrown away
by fragrant pretty mistress or master

she wagged her pointy bare tail
as I stopped and said hello
and closed her eyes in relief
when I wrapped her in a towel
much to my then beloved's chagrin

howling in baths
crying, wrapped in medical poultice
she clung to me
tears in her eyes, smiles in her ears
until she could stand sturdy
she claimed my lap most evening

grew she did with much love
beautiful fluffy fur,
her tail a fringe
her eyes were clear
my pretty Mimie Girl

she found a mate
and had many puppies
whom she loved until they left
for other homes
to be loved by other masters

I knew she wished
we could keep all her children
and I wished with her too
most evening we sat together
in silent reverie

when my beloved left
for someone prettier than me
Mimie sat with me patiently
as I ranted and raved
wallowing in my silly tears

She was always there
to say goodbye when I left
in the morning
and hello when I came home
at night

She is gone now
to the heavens that dogs go to
I hope to see her someday
and hear her joyous bark again
and look into her deep brown eyes.