It sounds like a faraway parade

Or maybe a circus charade

At midnight

It kindles warmth in my heart instead of fright

It’s the same sound after dinner

No use in his trying to be a pretender

Or me a tough gal

He has to go out at night, he loves treats

He’s my baby, my best pal

His shenanigans melt my heart

Like butter in the pan

He stomps and wiggles, makes his demands

Toys and clothes strewn out on the hardwood

Puppy toenails tapping in rhythm

I hope the pup knows how much I love him

So I get out from under the covers in the middle of the night

Into the cold

I give him a biscuit

When we come back inside, we dance

In no time, I’m surrounded by gold

A Golden retriever, synonymous with love, nestled beside me

As he snoozes, his paws twitch lightly

I hope he knows how much he and his pranks delight me