November 2025 "Nimbus" by Ulysses Ochoa

In the morning I found you sleeping under the rosemary bush.

In the afternoon you are hiding behind the mulberry tree,

Tail wagging as you move between the sweet potatoes,

cacti, and lemongrass.

Waiting for me to throw your ducky so you can fetch it.

Anapaula bathes you and brushes your coat.

She untangles and snips off the knots in your fur.

Together we towel you off and you shake yourself dry. 

And you follow Anapaula into her car

Off to your vet appointment.

I heard you behaved, you had no accidents

And you got all your shots. 

Now it is evening. 

I am relaxing in the garden chair.

I pour your dinner and hear the jingle of your tags.

You rush to your food, alternating between eating kibble and drinking water.

You look up at me, tongue sticking out. 

I pet your head, feed you treats, and say 

“I love you, pooch.”

The sun sets, you think of following me as I leave...

but ultimately decide not to.