she wants a dog

she wants a dog.
it's been a while since
her last dog.
the memory
of fleas is no longer
with her.
the walks in
the rain, the chewed
boot.
the howls and barks
at the mailman.
she's forgotten
about the trips to vet
to remove a mouse,
or rancid bird
it swallowed whole.
she doesn't remember
the teeth falling
out as the dog grew old.
nor the pain
and sorrow of letting
it go. she wants a dog.
and so do you,
but you remember
everything, so don't.