In the summer of ‘09, we had a really bad heat wave in LA…
do you remember that?
we would pull up and park by the parks and the upper-class cul-de-sacs,
(the ones with the open floor plans and underground pools in the back)
yards of uncut tufts of grass gathering twigs at the high school’s running track,
where we’d sit and watch the cross-country kids decide between a runner’s high and a panic attack.
I loved listening…
to the summer’s heat leave the engine block with clicks and clacks,
as you explained how the heat leaving made the metal contract.
and the blast of hot air once you turned the AC’s dial to half,
then realized in a moment it was way too cold so you dialled it back.
I loved when we’d stay in the car…
that you always let me lay with my head in your lap,
(even if I was sweaty and desperately needed a bath),
across the bundled-up blanket making the middle gap flat,
and then you’d tilt your seat back and settle in for a nap.
You loved that when I woke up…
I would roll over, then set my left ear to your chest,
and listen a moment ‘til you took a deep breath,
after which, I would yawn lightly and stretch.
not that I was worried… but it’s better to check.
You loved that I would always wait…
when you ran to the corner store for some veggies and bread,
I would sit, solemnly still and quickly covered in sweat,
pants in the backseat to cool off while I wait for my friend.
You loved that I forgave you…
that day in June that we hadn’t noticed the threat…
while you ducked past the tagged carport doors to settle a debt,
a passerby noticed me and quickly started to fret,
took off his baseball cap, pondered the problem, and wiped at his head…
my guardian angel, dressed in a white shirt with letters in red.
after a moment of glancing around, he levelled his bat and tapped the window to test,
then crash, he swung through, a broken halo of shattering glass…
well, you know the rest.
I loved what we had…
and I know that since then, you always felt bad.
but the days blurred together in sizzling hot summers as the years passed,
we still lay together, parked at the parks in your summit white Cadillac,
and I could still make that goofy face that made you laugh…
We’ll miss that…
You shared these memories with the neighbourhood vet,
my head in your lap hoping you’ll never forget.
I know you’ll have new friends to sit with as the summer sun sets,
but I’m pretty dang sure I was your favourite pet.
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