Golden Retriever

                          Eyes seem to fathom

                          some sort of intelligence

                          rest with a generous glow

                          fangs bequeathed

                          are for different enemies

                          from other planets

                          vocal chords shaped

                          into a quizzical bark

                          if he could but speak

                          what is it that he knows

                          but cannot tell me:

                          I come to you my friend

                          from a different dimension

                          the eternal alien

                          that rests in your soul

                          I mean you no harm

                          But I need affection

                          breed loyalty when given the chance

                          I know your malice with others

                          something beyond my comprehension

                          my friend you are human

                          forever tainted

                          I forgive you your sins

                          for when you come to me

                          you come to me pure

                          the alien seeking to connect

                          and the spirit in you

                          reaching out

                          into the infinity

                          the outer reaches

                          that knows no boundary

                                                      Jack Mashman