The dog and i understand
Each other to a point,
We read each other's moods,
We guess at causes—
Hungry, thirsty, lonely—
Conditions at the core
Of living with a body and a heart,
Aches we've always known.
The humans around me
I understand no better;
How depressing to realize
The limits of language.
Without a word from the dog
I know when she wants out.
