A Dog’s Bark (No. 3)

by Kelly Cherry

You think a dog can’t talk?

Listen to his bark.

He says he loves you.

He says, These people are all right

but I want you to myself.

He says, Who cares about politics

philosophy

religion

or global economics?

I care about you

you

you.

You are my heart

my salvation

my everything.

He says these things over and over,

and after awhile, you begin to believe him.

You can trust him.

He has your back.

He says he loves you

and you love him back.