No One Has Ever Held My Hand

Inspired by the death of my dog

Heaven left a note
I saw her slippin 
It graced my nose
And not in a good way
Euthanized 
I’m stark, raving “How the time flies!”

Landline call to Earth
You crave warmth, since you were born
Pick it up, we’re part of you, we just have some questions

How’s it up there?
Are you still here?
I imagine, can’t imagine 
Had we the right?
To make a longer day 
Is it what you dreamt of?
When you went to sleep

We put her tail in a vase
Or in a locket
Or a pyramid 
Where the air is dense as bone
I’m fine
If fine means-a-sneakin’ in the wine

Little mercy murder 
Sentient furs!
Oh aren’t we the worst?
I heard about this little thing; it’s called a soul, and now I wanna know:

How’s it up there?
Are you still here?
I imagine 
It’s like magic 
I wanna die
To see your little face 
Is it what you dreamt of?
When you went to sleep

Like I’ve seen a ghost
Memory uncanny - oh no
Lick, lick, lick until you’re…sick
Lilies and dahlias, glad to have loved ya
Since you were born
And when you went to sleep

Jack Neary