Joy had four legs
a cold nose, silky ears that flopped
and an otter tail

Joy could bark ever so loud
scare the neighbourhood crows and the kittens
also break eardrums of those standing close

Joy gave kisses unasked
wet, slobbery and cool
drowning you in drool

Joy melted hearts (especially mine) with ease
with soulful yellow-brown eyes if you please
and a smile from ear to ear, ever so wide

One overcast morning, Joy left
leaving me utterly bereft
holding on to memories of the joys she gifted…

©Shail Mohan 2022