A Note to My Dog

Don’t ask! I was unusual,

As you know, my animal friend…

Smokes, a bottle, humor and wit;

Immortal days without end!

I’ve outgrown my leather sandals,

My Leghorn friend under the clover…

Six decades after this photograph

My Smoking days are over.

Yesterday I spit out a tooth;

A life reduction I did not like…

It signaled the beginning of Phase ll:

The Deconstruction of Mike.

Otis, our days are numbered,
We owe each other the truth...
I've noticed your mind is missing;
Otis, don't stare at my missing tooth.