I love dogs

i love dogs
the way they always follow
me upstairs
about 95 seconds after
I have left
not really expecting me to be doing
anything different
or exciting
but happy
for the chance
I might say
hello
as if I was singing
a song
that was all about
them
or how
I might let myself
stop
by the bed
for a scratch
or straightening of the collar
as they settle in
to wait
for my eventual journey
to another room
again they follow
in hopes of a song
or a few moments spent
talking about some squirrel
or fly
or kitty
or how the cleaning lady makes us nervous
or best of all
the pat of my hand on the covers
and a kiss goodnight