for my Emily (named for Emily Dickinson)
and her brother Edgar (named for Edgar Allan Poe)

Sleeping, satisfied, soft as blanket she lay upon,
the puppy dreamed that day was done. And her heart grew warm.

Stirring, seeing, sweet as dream she’d lingered in, Mama,
who stroked her with hands so kind, a bond began to grow.

Seizing sweet and simple moments to savor kinship,
common space, the puppy grew into a dog in love.

Satisfying seasons stretched into fading light.
As darkness descended she understood love lasts long.