Unconditional Love

A poem about a very good dog

Photo by Caro Henry

This poem is part of the NaPoWriMo 2024 challenge to write a poem a day in April. This is the prompt for April 2.

Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a platonic love poem. In other words, a poem not about a romantic partner, but some other kind of love – your love for your sister, or a friend, or even your love for a really good Chicago deep dish pizza. The poem should be written directly to the object of your affections (like a letter is written to “you”), and should describe at least three memories of you engaging with that person/thing.

Nose on high alert, sniffing every nook,
A furry detective on a mission.
This happens most Saturdays at the lake.
Then, I sit on a bench, you at my feet.

We watch the geese clack their beaks, stretch their wings,
Waddle out of the water with their young 
Following close behind with squeaks and grunts;
Mother goose with loving side-eye glances.

Another day, trouble found you ready,
Disguised as a nest of fluffy rabbits.
You spotted them, your body stilled, eyes wide,
Moving in slow motion, inching closer

With a sudden burst of energy, you
Pulled the leash from my hands, and dashed forward.
Young rabbits, surprised at your sudden move
Scattered—hopping in every direction.

I called to you, gave your unique whistle,
Expending my energy for nothing, 
As you zoomed around me, long ears flapping,
Weaving through the park like a tornado.

People stared, mouths agape, as you sprinted. 
Some even applauded, mistaking your 
Antics for a well-rehearsed circus act. 
While I stood torn between laughter, panic.

After what felt like an eternity, 
You finally tired yourself out, as
Panting, you returned to my side, your tongue 
Hanging sideways with you grinning, goofy. 

Meanwhile, the rabbits cautiously emerged, 
Poking their heads up from the thick bushes,
Giving you side glances as if to say, 
“Really, dude? That was way rude, uncalled for."

I remember the day I first held you,
When you looked at me with trust in your eyes;
Then, the day we stepped through those dreaded doors, 
Your tail disappeared, tucked between your legs.

Oh, the theatrics, antics that followed!
You whimpered, cowered, attempted to hide 
Behind my legs, as if the vet couldn't 
See a black lab peeking from behind me. 

With the vet’s help we lifted you onto
The table, though you yelped, whined, and whimpered.
Were you auditioning for the lead role 
In "A Dog’s Rescue Tale: The Musical?" 

The vet declared you were in perfect health
And a natural-born performer, to boot.
With a mix of relief and amusement
We headed home, your confidence restored.

My dear friend, you bring me laughter and joy,
Companionship when it is needed
You remind me ordinary moments
Can transform to playful, unbound pleasure.

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