okay, i'm back! sort of. for now, have a poem.

Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night (Percy Three), Mary Oliver
He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small, expressive sounds.
And when I'm awake, or awake enough

he turns upside down, his four paws
in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.

Tell me you love me, he says.

Tell me again.

Could there be a sweeter arrangement?
Over and over
he gets to ask it.
I get to tell.

(in case you were wondering why anyone would ever have a small dog? this. this is why.)