You’re watching me
From your blanketed perch
The spot we’ve made for you
On the left side of the couch
I’m in the kitchen
The reason
Your interest is keen
But I pretend your attention
Is something like love
Something like
The way I love you
Which feels like held breath
And fills my empty spaces
Even as I know
You’re merely calculating
A piece of carrot?
A slice of cucumber, maybe?
Weighing the likelihood
Of a treat against
The comfort of the couch
There was a time
When you watched
From up close
And only
Pressed against my leg
Or with a nose in my lap
Ever optimistic
No matter how many times
I never
Shared my dinner
You’re more discerning now
Better trained perhaps
Or maybe just tired
Aware of your aching body
As I am
You see
I watch you, too
And I feel my heart ache
Each time I imagine
Your side of the couch
Without you. Watching me
© Amanda Reilly Sayer, 2019
* In honor of my dear Chapin, 13 years old today ❤️
Painting Poetry in Motion 
Lovely dog! 🙂
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Thank you! She is so loved and loving!
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Awesome poem Amanda, I’ve witnessed the love from both sides and it is truly from the heart. ❤️❤️
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Thanks for witnessing and commenting. I love your screen name ❤️
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That was beautiful. Reminds me of our Jake who we had to say good-bye to almost 3 years ago,
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Isn’t it amazing to love our pets so dearly, knowing from the start we will likely outlive them? I bet your Jake was well loved 💚
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An excellent tribute. I’m a pretty clumsy eater when there are pups nearby.
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Haha! Pups are always happy to help clean up any spillage 😉 So eager to help!
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Beautiful poem. Dogs are such gentle creatures.
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Thank you. Sounds like you’ve known some beautiful dogs, too.
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Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, my dear pooch is now featured in my avatar. He passed away four years ago.
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I see you like to paint yours too. Isn’t it such a wonderfully loving experience to paint a beloved pet? Actually, I’ve painted some dogs that I haven’t loved and always feel like I know them better, afterwards.
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