I like hearing the voices
my friends who have dogs
have to use to tell them No.
It makes me feel safe
knowing blood that grew
from similar soil to me
has the power to command
and protect and love deeply.
I hear them talking
when I float off to the bad place,
or say yes to plans
when all I want to do
is sit next to the universe
and count its freckles.

© Carl Burkitt 2021