stuffy confidential
slowly they come to tell me the news
a parade of fuzzy confidences:
Pete
Kiki
Mr. Fuzzles
Yip-Yappin’ Coyote (the Yip-Yappin’ Yapster)
I snuggle them one by one
pat each bottom like a baby perched on my shoulder
listen close as they whisper in my ear
touch my nose to their synthetic fur
to breathe in childhood
and the relief of de-stressing distress
look into all the beautiful brown eyes in the room
and nod
I’m here
I’m listening
you are loved
