In Memory Of Lainey's Dog Poem by David McLansky

My dog squats snugly on my hip
Squeezed on the sofa content to sit;
Heedless of my twisted spine
While I awkward write my rhymes;

T’is strange this bond twixt dog and man
She eats so gently from my hand
Sharing my box of crumbled Cheez-it
I chop up beef chips to later freeze it.

I got my dog from the pound
Groucho Marx when she looks around;
She replaced Camilla when we put her down
Camilla sleeps pain free underground

What friend shows us such devotion
Who jumps up at our slightest motion
Curious as we move from room to room
Who makes a game as we sweep the room;

What friend forgives our show of temper
Who licks our faces when we start to whimper
Who defends us from the threat of harm,
Who finds such peace within our arms?