because my dog is deaf

gone are the days
that thunder would send him
pawing at my legs for comfort
until I would scoop him into my arms
so he might continue to shake
like a leaf in the storm outside
until the clouds would part

when I started to write this poem
my phone autocorrected the title:
because my dog is

an unwelcome reminder
of a fact I try to forget:
time gives and it takes
in equal measure.

I am glad for every fear less
that might haunt his small life
but I can't help but wonder
what other sounds
time has taken from him

which is why, these days,
I press my mouth to his head
(when he is amenable to it)
in the hopes he might feel
the words vibrate
against his skull.

my good boy. my friend.
I hope you believe
that every day will be
like this: love, love,
and more love,
no end in sight.