A Walk with Tilly

You’re not a lady yet Tilly,

with your red and white fur.

Your friendly face is happy with it’s short wet nose.

Remember that time

you saw Silver in the car

and whimpered all the way to the park.

Maybe I should have taken you home to see her first

before continuing on.

Maybe you wouldn’t have cried so much then.

Maybe you wouldn’t have run off to the car park when I let you off the leash.

I ran after you in that scary moment.

It felt wonderful when you were safe and secure,

you love the taste of human skin

licking with affection.

When we got back

you were excited to tell Silver all about your walking adventure.

Guy Fredericks, 'My Little Tilly', pencil on paper, 2020