The soft fur brushes my skin
Like the grass in summertime
It’s dark eyes are shiny
Like opals
Its smooth fur is the color of the desert at night,
Of tree bark,
Of dirt,
Of stone.
Its paws scrape against my skin
Leaving small pink marks.
She is calm.
Quiet as a ladybug
Body shaking
As kids pet her with two fingers
Wishing she were home.
Barton Hills Elementary School
5