a woman told me a story today and made me promise to tell it.

I met her in a facility,

an institution of care –

i was there

with my dog to visit,

and in great detail she described her dog.

he looked exactly like mine – except for the ears

and the fur,

and the size,

and she in great detail described hers.

who looked exactly like mine.

and then she said,

he’s dead.

that’s why i am here.

a pill, such a small pill, rolled onto the floor-

i did not see it – i have to take them to live

and it killed my dog,

and so now i am here.

(perhaps you cannot hear the tear that rolled down her cheek –

the heart torn apart)

you will tell people won’t you?

be careful of the little things.

you will too…

won’t you?