but no more, please

we used to fight a lot.
bicker all the time,
then there'd be sulking

and the silent treatment.

i'd come home from work
and she'd be happy
for a while, but
the house would be a mess.

I was hungry, she was hungry.
she wanted to go for a walk,
or sit on the couch
and stare out the window
at the swaying trees.

she wouldn't leave me alone,
always pulling at the chain.
needing constant attention,
always in my lap
when I tried to read or
write a poem.

how she'd sit up and beg.

she wanted to watch tv
together, or curl up next
to me in bed,
pulling at the blankets
and sheets. taking my
favorite pillow for her own.

she drooled a lot too.
and had fleas, and would drag
things into the house

that were disgusting.
her barking was endless.
each trip to the vet would
empty my wallet.
she was a great dog, I miss
her,
but no more, please.