Dogfriend

By MH

I never spoke two words to you
Yet you love me
I didn’t have to ask, however
You gave me my name
Even the place you live called home
I’m able to live just the same
I’m even cool that you always dominate our exchange
I have to feed off of you
When you’re happy, I’m ecstatic
When you’re angry, I’m mad
When you’re down, I can’t help but feel sad
I move off of you and obey your commands
One-way communication since I can’t speak
But all your words I understand
Could you ask for a better friend?

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8 Comments

  1. Adelaide on February 5, 2019 at 11:30 AM

    “You gave me my name”- that line is so lovely! I really like how you played with perspective here. It’s clear that you care deeply about your dog. I like how you end on a question, leaving the reader wanting to hear more. You use parallel sentence structure in a way that illuminates your purpose. Can’t wait to read more from you!

  2. Kimberlie Hogan on February 15, 2019 at 11:56 AM

    This poem reminds me of my dog. So quiet and yet gives me everything I need. Powerful and thoughtfully written.

  3. Kayelynn on April 15, 2020 at 5:09 PM

    MH,

    Adorable tribute to your furry friend! I’ve felt the same way about many of my pets, they’re always there when you need love or a comforting presence. You’re never judged or unappreciated with a pet. Amazing writing and I can’t wait to see what you come out with next!

  4. Jocelyn Matos on April 28, 2020 at 5:24 PM

    When I read this poem I related it to an unborn baby and a mother. There relationship is communicated through pure nurturing. It started when we were babies and we couldn’t cant talk yet! Love is love. We are humans who naturally feed off emotion! The true power is controlling how we feel when we are angry.

    Thank you

  5. JM on November 13, 2020 at 2:45 PM

    Dear MH,

    Thank you for writing and sharing this poem. It reminded me of how easily our relationships with our dogs come– they’re just content to be with you all of the time, and it usually doesn’t take much to communicate with one another despite the obstacle of language. I really liked the line “I move off you and obey your commands,” because, while the relationship is one way and dominating in the poem, this also implies that the dog is making choices based on its owner’s energy, and that feels like a way of communicating even though they can’t speak with one another. Thank you for writing such a powerful poem that reminded me of my own dog and how pleasant his company is!

    Best,
    JM

  6. Reilly on May 5, 2021 at 2:53 PM

    This poem made me miss my dogs at home! Very well written and I felt like it really described the human and dog relationship. Great job!

  7. Cassidy on September 21, 2022 at 10:10 AM

    Dear MH,

    This poem is so sweet and full of heart! Your writing made me miss my dog, Taco, so much. I love that you told the poem through the eyes of your dog. It was an extremely interesting piece to read! The way you opened the poem “I never spoke two words to you/ yet you love me” is a great way to start it. Those lines emphasize how seamlessly our pets do care for us and show us love, without knowing much about us. I know my dog definitely matches my energy, as you mentioned in your piece. If I am excited, she is most certainly excited as well. Your poem brought a smile to my face and extra love for my dog today! Thank you for sharing.

    Best,

    CB

  8. Anna Carpentiere on October 4, 2022 at 1:36 PM

    This poem is kind of emotional and nostalgic. The bond between a pet and their owners is strong. It’s a loving friendship where trust is key. I have a cat and I love her very much yet, she has never spoken. Love is not always about communication it’s about another language of understanding. Emotions play a large role in this relationship. You must understand some words like food or play but anything else is the tone of the voice. You got this and remember the best is yet to come!

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