The woman said his mother didn’t want him

because he was the biggest of all five and he

ate everyone’s food. I guess even

dogs choose to alienate what they can’t defeat.

The bathroom is the safest place so

I pick up the scissors and cut off

what’s left of the puppy coat

and his old home.

Red blossoms all over the right paw and over the food

he no longer needs to share.

Alex once told me:

I’ve donated blood to so many people that

died later.

What else do you want me to tell you about hope?

I have a “fearless attitude” written on

my t-shirt while I am trying to reach the nearest vet

at 1 am my limbs have gone numb.

Thick hotness is plastered on my chest

and the vet asks if the puppy is a bobtail

or another something he can’t name.

The doctor says I’ve cut the vein and

how do I feel

about having a dog that won’t be able to walk.

I call Alex and ask him about hope.

He says the worst thing about it is

nothing’s left after it.