Woman’s Best Friend

Stella

LITTLE DOG’S RHAPSODY IN THE NIGHT

He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small, expressive sounds.
And when I’m awake, or awake enough 

he turns upside down, his four paws
  in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent. 

“Tell me you love me,” he says. 

“Tell me again.” 

Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over
he gets to ask.
I get to tell.

This poem is by Mary Oliver, a feminist dog lover poet who wrote a book of poems called “Dog Songs.” It’s a lovely book that is dedicated to woman’s best friend–her baby.

Looking Up While Looking Down

Hopeful

Sometimes I look down to look up

when my head feels too heavy to lift

I look down to look up

when I want to find something beautiful in the ugly

I look down to look up

when I’m afraid the sun might sting my eyes

I look up while looking down

when I am hopeful there’s a bright blue sky somewhere…

kms