Bestfriend

Back in the fourth grade

I met my best friend

He’s a little strange, If I’m honest

A weird but beautiful Alice and Wonderland type of strange

I can make fun of him

Pretend to take his food

Take his toys away

He never responds in anger

always with a friendly smile

Not a big toothy one

A slight, understanding smile

A thin, lopsided smile

It is my favorite smile

One day I came home in tears

I tried to hide it from him

I was an amatuer poker player, and he saw right through my bluff.

He didn’t say anything, no judgement, no nothing

He never seems to talk, which is odd I guess

They say best friends should talk often, but perhaps it’s better this way

All he does is wait, like a loyal dog awaiting his owner's return

Then he makes his move

walks over to my bedside

And drops…

“Oh you can’t be serious” I sigh

At the sight of a slobbery, matted stuffed animal that is now on my bed

I can almost see it eroding away from all the use

Right there, on my bed

Confused by my hesitation to accept his generous gift

He expertly maneuvered his long furry nose to give his “toy” one more final push

Accompanied by a quick tail wag and smile

I burst out in laughter

And just like that it was over

I was happy again

that is why I love my dog

My four legged lopsided, slobbery

Yet perfect

Best friend