by Sandy Wantuch
I wish I could laminate, preserve forever--
every detail, every contour
the softness, the length of your hair
the almond shape of your eyes,
the milk chocolate color
the perfection of your white eyelashes
the dip at the end of your nose,
the perfect alignment of your teeth
the pinkness of your ears,
the graceful lines of your paws,
the long length of your white nails,
the pink quick inside,
the fullnes of your tail,
how it curled,
how it waved happily
the tan markings on your ears,
down your back,
around your eyes.
I want to remember the beautiful simplicity
of your face
and kiss it softly--I love you
It will forever be etched in my soul.