Loyalty

You can always hear his footsteps running,
bouncing, bringing me joy! His tail stands tall at attention,
before waving side to side, like a windshield wiper
in the pouring rain. He licks my ear,

pokes me
with his nose,
places his head
between my hand and my hip, until we settle

to share some quiet
moments, me poured
out in my chair, he in
my lap, like a cozy blanket.

Sometimes he shows me off,
making friends for us wherever we go.
When I have to be without

him, he will look at me, as if asking:
“Must you really?” Seeing it is so,
he will escort me to the door
and bark me farewell.

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Michael J LaFrancis

+ postsBio

Michael J. LaFrancis has been a trusted advisor and advocate for individuals, groups and organizations interested in aligning purpose and capabilities in service of their highest ideals. Writing poetry is a contemplative practice providing insight and inspiration for living a life imagined. LaFrancis’ hobbies include landscape gardening, nature walks, collecting fine art, writing and cooking. He and his partner Sharon are co-authors of their autobiography: Our Wonderful Life. They have two sons and have recently been promoted to being grandparents.

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