Black Spot

I have killed you puppy. As surely as he killed me
Mine was an inside death, like carbon monoxide

I have loved you puppy. As surely as he loved me
With the back of the hand, with your snuffling nose

Each violet gift he gave me, I had one for you
Each moment of quivering darkness, one for you too

His whiskey bottle punctuality he’d visit upon my room
What I learned from him I’d visit upon you too

I have loved you puppy, your nip and yip, your licks
Your soft thrumming rhythm, the proof of your heart

I have killed you puppy. As surely as I killed him
His was an outside death, a puppy on a busy street