I was a lost dog
when you 
first saw me 
unchipped
no collar
ready for a bath

I knew how to sniff
my way to food, water 
a safe corner to sleep

but what I 
was really hunting for was
a scratch behind the ear
a lap to rest my chin 
the rhythm of a heartbeat 
to keep time as my tail 
smacks the floor 

I was really 
looking for you

   ~ Robin J. Phillips, Feb. 14, 2025
Happy Valentine’s Day, Suzie