I guess I’m glad
I didn’t realize
when we met so long ago
that I would listen some day
to your loud struggle for
every
single
shallow
breath
while I fumble to treat and sooth you
without sure answers or enough guidance
when you huff, puff, wheeze, sneeze, and pant
I barely sleep
but when your breath quiets at night
I cannot sleep at all
you have always been a thorough, albeit impatient, teacher
touch the face, never the feet; pat the sides, never the spine
sometimes I miss my favorite sound: your happy rumble
muted now by the constant, strenuous effort of inhaling and exhaling
I have old recordings, but I can’t bear them
but you, ever clever, find new ways to be a gift
you stay by my side
with your impossible dignity
comforting my heavy heart
thank goodness it was open
long enough
to meet you and
be filled
by you and for you
your whole life
you sweet creature
my Windy darling