7/ If Dogs Could Purr

If Dogs Could Purr

If dogs could purr,

my chest, the part that holds

my heart, would vibrate,

and my throat would hum

to tell you how I feel

with your hand

stroking my back

and your fingers

smoothing the fur

around my ears like this.

I know if I rise to thank you

with my tail and tongue

the spell will shatter

and you’ll return

to your work. So I lie

here motionless, silent,

unable to do

what would come so naturally

if dogs could purr.