My Dog’s Ear

I believe the bird outside my window knows I’m awake
But is never going to make me a cup of coffee

I believe that even as their edges curl and colors fade
Flowers are waiting for us to bow down and smell them 

I believe that love and joy and peace are all the same thing
But there is no word for the silky feel of my dog’s ear

I believe that in every pore I carry the breath of my mother
But the sweet sound of her laughter is fading

~ Robin J. Phillips, Oct. 7, 2021

Spring in North Carolina

SPRING IN THE MOUNTAINS

Oh, hello, rainy wet sloppy day
After I make some toast
I’ll just sit and watch the river
You’ve made flow downhill
Toward the choppy lake
Together we’ll put off summer
One more day

~ Robin J Phillips, April 23, 2021

MAGICAL DOGWOOD

Neither dogs nor wood
their white flowers 
are soft clouds
playing like puppies 
high in the trees

~ Robin J Phillips, April 23, 2021

I choose you again and again


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

Ready to Enjoy Today


On the morning
after the evening
you took the time
to make sure I was ok
I am dancing in the bathroom

John Legend sets the tone
give me the green light
I fill my lungs with joy
ready to go right now
I give myself a pep talk 
and set my sights on happiness
at least just for today
in the shelter of your love

~ Robin J Phillips  July 4, 2020