I see who you are and what it means
to walk on four legs and protect the world.
a healer once told me your
white stripe meant
you were a warrior in a past life.
I understand that.
I hear you in the night fighting
the other four legged creatures
outside our door
and I feel you beside me, keeping my heart
rate in rhythm with yours.
I understand your cries
at night, while you sleep
and recognize them for what they are –
discussions with all those who have been here
and are now gone
but with whom you continued to be tethered.
you and I share a common language
and when others hear us speak they think
how amazing it is I understand you,
but my understanding is a lie
it is you that understands what I am trying to say.
I give you food and take you for walks
you take me into a world
where life is black and white
while also
filled with opportunity.
I grab for things
and you teach me how to wait for them
you jump using all four of your legs
and I have a hard time remembering how to jump,
just using two of mine.