bow wow


i always knew
you loved your dogs more
than you ever loved me
that their fur was softer
to the touch than mine
their devotion more readily
seen and love returned.
in point of fact
eagerly given
rolling over on their backs
submissively offering up bellies
legs spread wide for a rub.
you often pointed this out with
a laugh that really wasn't.
i always knew
how could i not?
you cried when one or the other
came down with some canine problem
paid the vet bills without complaint
yet left me to fend for myself
in stitches with a laugh
that wasn't.