Dog

When lonely, his whimper

sparks across the dark

gap where the heartbeat's born

like a wolf howling

a bridge of sorrow

to the moon.

Once I left him too long.

He dug a hole so deep

it became a throat

that swallowed night.

I climbed down to get him out,

saw stars shining overhead

at noon.

If I forget to feed him,

he nibbles 

crumbs from my childhood,

that place swept

and left  long ago.

When I dream

he runs, leash-free,

returns to lick my hand.

One night

I will follow him

to the river,

step into a weathered boat

floating on the cold fire

of captured stars,

then walk with him

into his world.

© Jean Sampson, 2015

Canis Major among the Myth Constellations
from the Universe Today website