The Dog

He’s what keeps me from picking up the phone
Always in the corner of my eye
—haven't found him anywhere tonight
Checked the bed and then the kitchen
There was nothing there worth missing
Coffee table on its side
Sticks of gum that stuck to dry
a Big Red No—a walk outside
'case he’d gone ahead and thought
I’d only be a step behind
But not this time—time to climb
into the cab and take a drive
that rang familiar
though I couldn’t tell you why
Guess I needed me another pair of eyes
So I woke them when I made it to your door
«I lost my dog"—you let me in
although I know
I’ve told you that before