i want to be loved like a sick dog

euthanized dogs

know something

i don't.

i, too, wish

to be handled with delicacy

in such overwhelming pain.

surrounded by tears

and words of affirmation—

they're fed delicious cheeseburgers

and poisonous chocolate.

smothered in kisses,

soothed by whispers of comfort,

softly caressed down their fur.

i yearn to be held

like it’s the last time, 

yet remain oblivious 

to my fate.

most of all,

i am jealous 

of a dog's easy way out.

painlessly 

released from their suffering—

let go 

as an act of love.

when a dog is sprawled out

on a white-tableclothed counter—

i am envious they do not know 

it is their final

goodbye.