Please, I said to my dog
Who leaned in close
Wrapping his neck around my neck

Please, I said to my brothers
Who don’t talk about our parents
Who are gone but still hover above nearby

Please, to my cousins
Who have the blood of our blood
The stories of our families 

Please, I say to all my cells
To my breath to the end
To all I’m made of

And please again to my dog 
Who snuggles close
Whispering, whatever you need
I am here

Robin J Phillips  April 26, 2020