Percy, the December Before

My dog lets out a groan.
Sitting up, a little taller than me.
Six months gone, looks like years.
Brown fur gone gray.

Tears stain him. I’m apologizing
for leaving for Brooklyn.
Not keeping my promise
of moving to a place

big enough for him.
For not going for walks
as much as we should have.
A big paw clubs me

keeping me in place.
Same as always.
I do my best
not to wrap in tighter.