I know it’s not the same
That a dog is not a person
But when my dog
(Elderly, diabetic, so diminished)
Unable once again to rise up from his bed
His legs spayed uselessly akimbo
Raised his eyes to mine
I knew what he was saying
And a few days later
On the last day
When he did rise and stagger to me
And laid his forehead against my leg
I knew what he was saying