Grace

First dog person I have ever loved,
when you ripped open my
trusting friend the goat
I surprised myself
by not killing you
instead I found a small lump
of something smaller than retaliation
or Old West justice
deep inside,
something of cold logic
coated in grace
that opened up
furious as a desert bloom
with a scent that permeated my brain
while gently whispering,
"This dog gave up everything he knew to be your friend.
We do not kill our friends for their weaknesses,
we help them. Help him."

So daily now
my remedial friend testing continues
as I navigate the complexities of
holding you close enough to keep you safe
from your missing impulse control switch
and being delighted as you do all the things
I ask enthusiastically,
as though your world, shrunk of necessity
to the length of your leash
is your oyster and I
- your jailer and the judge who nearly ordered
your execution-
remain your pearl.