I would like to be a dog -
I think.
I would like to be talked at and
Not
Have to respond.
And when those who nourish me
Surround me again
I would run to receive their love
And not have to show mine back.
I'd hear their familiar voices
Call my name.
I could hide behind my cutesy face -
Hide the loneliness
And the pain it brings
When they are not around.
I would endure the teasing,
The distorted apostrophes,
To lay loyal in a lap
Enclosed,
Enveloped in an unconditional love,
And the knowledge of my selection.
Yes, I would like to be a dog.
Who would wonder what I thought?
No opinions to be offered,
No decisions to be made.
Easy!
No release,
No purgation,
No catharsis -
No one to talk to
  (No one would listen).
And does the dog dream of being me?
She wouldn't
  (if she knew).