Coba

Coba (a Shetland Sheepdog)

You are small.
Your fine, clipped skull fits neatly in my hands
your frill a pale froth that could never be
anything but domestic.
We have come to various agreements, you and I
but none of them seem static
as you roll three hours of grooming
into damp redwood mulch,
expressing joy.

You look up;
your eyes are very blue.
You are a dog, and I someone who keeps a dog.
We also are two creatures
sharing time, growing together.